SMS reminders to help corneal ulcer patients keep follow-up appointments
Follow-up Compliance for Medically Managed Corneal Ulcer Patients With SMS Reminders in a Tertiary Eye Care Setting in Western Nepal: A Quasi Experimental Study
This trial tries using SMS reminders to help adults (18–70) with newly diagnosed corneal ulcers who have a mobile phone keep their scheduled follow-up visits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 310 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Seva Canada Society Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Siddharthanagar, Lumbini) |
| Trial ID | NCT07377513 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial enrolls adults aged 18–70 with newly diagnosed corneal ulcers who are medically managed at the outpatient department of Lumbini Eye Institute & Research Center. Participants who own a mobile phone will receive SMS reminders ahead of scheduled follow-up appointments to encourage attendance. The intervention is compared to standard appointment scheduling practices to see if reminders increase follow-up compliance. The rationale is that timely follow-up can reduce complications such as corneal thinning, perforation, and vision loss.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–70 years with a newly diagnosed corneal ulcer, managed medically at LEIRC outpatient clinic, who have access to and can receive SMS on a mobile phone.
Not a fit: People without access to a mobile phone, those outside the study location, or patients requiring immediate surgical care rather than outpatient medical management are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SMS reminders could increase follow-up attendance and enable timelier treatment, reducing the risk of complications and vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ophthalmology programs and mobile health tools (including SMS reminder systems and the Peek Community Eye Health system) have shown improved follow-up rates, though targeted data specifically for corneal ulcer follow-up are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed patients (18 to 70 years) of corneal ulcer in one or both eye, who are medically managed, visiting the OPD at LEIRC and have access to a mobile phone. Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years or more than 70 years Patients who do not have a access to a mobile phone.
Where this trial is running
Siddharthanagar, Lumbini
- Lumbini Eye Institute & Research Center — Siddharthanagar, Lumbini, Nepal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Saraswati Khadka Thapa
- Email: research@lei.org.np, sarukhadkathapa555@gmail.com
- Phone: +9779847110218 / 071-573827
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.