Clinical Research

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CRC Clinical Research

Our mission in Clinical Research at California Retina Consultants is to provide patients with the opportunity to participate locally in national clinical trials of new treatments for severe retinal diseases. The doctors of California Retina Consultants have been recognized for their involvement in numerous national and international clinical trials of novel treatments for complications of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, and ocular injuries.

Participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. Eligibility for enrollment into a particular trial is determined through a screening process that varies from study to study. Because of the specific nature of your disease, you may not be eligible for participation. If you decide not to participate or are deemed ineligible, the doctors will continue to care for your eyes and provide you with the highest standard of care available.

What is clinical research?

Research refers to clinical trials that test medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention in people.
The clinical trials that are conducted at California Retina Consultants (CRC) are carefully designed studies that systematically gather data on new therapies to treat retinal diseases.

As a research department, we partner with pharmaceutical companies, large and small, to develop new drugs and therapies that maylast longer, be more effective, or provide long-term solutions to diseases that have a higher treatment burden.

Why is research important?

Research stands as a cornerstone in healthcare and society, offering a beacon of hope for individuals by providing novel treatments where none exist, or improving upon current therapies. For society and future generations, it serves as a key to unlocking the mysteries of disease and health. Through research, we gain critical insights into the underlying causes and mechanisms of various conditions, paving the way for the identification of safe and effective treatments.

Today's medical advancements are the fruit of the unwavering dedication and collaboration of thousands of researchers, clinicians, and patients. While newer technologies and artificial intelligence are instrumental in facilitating clinical research, it is the combined human effort that remains the fundamental driving force behind these scientific achievements. The harmonious blend of human endeavor with technological innovation is what will propel us toward groundbreaking discoveries and enhanced health outcomes for all.

Research with Retina Consultants of America

As a company Retina Consultants of America (RCA) is comprised of over 200 sites across 20 states serving almost 2 million patients annually.

Prior to joining RCA, our practice had a research department that was conducting clinical trials and was having a significant impact in our patients’ lives.

The benefit of joining RCA is that we have access to a greater set of resources that enables us to reach an even greater number of patients! Everything, from facilities and equipment to training and personnel, is available to RCA research sites to improve the quality of care we can provide. We can even design and conduct our own large-scale research studies using the sites in our network!

Clinical Trial FAQ

• What will happen if I take part in a research study?

  If you agree, you will be carefully screened for your eligibility to participate. This usually involves a careful eye examination and supplemental diagnostic tests. In most cases, these are the same tests that would be required for your care, regardless of your participation in a research study. However, testing for studies must be done in a standardized way, and this may take additional time.

• How long will I be in the study?

  The length of time you will be asked to participate in the research study will depend on the specific study for which you qualify. Some studies require as little as a few months of participation, while others ask that you participate for over a year.

• What side effects or risks can I expect from being in the study?

  At our practice, we carefully select the studies we run for safety and responsibility. The object of research is to learn and to develop better treatments, and the outcomes of the study are not known at the start. We only participate in research when we feel that the scientific basis is solid. Our goal is to only participate in studies where study participants have the potential to receive more advanced care that is available outside the study.

• Will I be paid for taking part in a study?

  Most studies offer compensation for each completed visit. However, in the rare case that they do not, these details will be reviewed with you before you agree to participate.

• Who can answer my questions about the study?

  You can talk to the doctors or the research staff about any questions, comments, or concerns you have about participating in a research study.

Current Clinical Trials

• Wet AMD:

  Neovascular Age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a prevalent, progressive retinal degenerative macular disease. It impacts the central area of the retina in the eye, called the macula. This causes vision to be blurry and distorted.

• Dry AMD:

  Dry macular degeneration causes drusen to accumulate in the retina and can damage the sensitive nerve cells.

• Geographic Atrophy:

  Geographic Atrophy is a medical term that refers to later-stages of Dry AMD. It happens when patches of damaged cells, called lesions, permanently damage the retina. Causing impaired central vision.

• Diabetic Macular Edema:

  Diabetic Macular Edema happens when high blood sugar levels affect the blood vessels in your eye. Your blood vessels leak, which causes fluid buildup and thicken your retina.

Patient Testimonials

Meet Our Team​

Dante Pieramici, MD

Research Medical Director

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Dr. Pieramici graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute. He then pursued his retina fellowship training at the Emory University Eye Center before joining the full-time faculty at both Yale University Hospital and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. As the Medical Director of Clinical Research at CRC, Dr. Pieramici has served as the principal investigator in over 50 clinical trials. Currently, he holds the position of Director at the California Retina Research Foundation, as well as being a board member and Medical Director of retina programs at SEE International. Dr. Pieramici is also a former President of the Santa Barbara County Medical Society and a member of the Board of Governors of Northwestern University Libraries.
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Dr. Pieramici has been recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed research papers and book chapters on retinal diseases and ocular trauma.

Clinical Investigators

• Dante Pieramici, MD
• Dilsher Dhoot, MD
• Daniel Learned, MD
• Robert Avery, MD
• Alessandro Castellarin, MD
• Stephen Couvillion, MD
• Nathan Steinle, MD
• Dong Yang, MD
• Andrew Clark, MD
• Ankur Gupta, MD