Study Design

We have substantial experience in the design and implementation of epidemiological studies including major (MRC funded) randomised trials, large-scale population-based eye surveys, case-control and cohort follow-up studies of risk-factors, reliability and agreement studies, and audit. We can help to refine and focus the aims and objectives of your research project and formulate a streamlined study, designed specifically to achieve the objectives with optimal efficiency. Our service will include:

a)     full sample size and power calculations, giving you a range of options to choose the cost and the desired power or precision for your project

b)     protocol of work, in as much detail as required

Data Capture and Management Systems

We can advise on methods and choice of equipment and database for recording and secure storage of your research data.  Our experts, with more than 20 years experience in ophthalmic research, could prepare and provide a full data capture and database system specifically designed for your research project. We should be happy to give you a quote for any aspect, from the smallest advisory to the full comprehensive data management service. 

Data Analysis and Reporting

We specialise in analysis of complex eye and vision related datasets, and in extraction and analysis of information held in unwieldy DIY databases, or in more professional databases that are primarily designed for project/patient management and not for detailed analysis. We produce analysis reports of the highest quality, giving ‘peer-review’ standard description of the statistical methods used, together with tabulations and graphical presentations of the findings, that could be used unmodified in poster displays and in publications. Our reports include textual summary of the main findings, in a format suitable for publication in medical journals. 

Research Proposals

Contact us if you need assistance with any aspect of the preparation of grant proposals for submission to the Department of Health, the MRC, or any other funding agency. We could provide basic advice or prepare the entire proposal.

Critical Reviews and Meta-analysis

Comprehensive literature search and critical assessment of published data for epidemiological aspects of any eye health/disorder or visual impairment. We could extend this to include collation and weighted analysis of the published epidemiological data, to produce ‘best-estimates’ of prevalence, incidence and relative risk.