Referrals sought for Genetics of Glaucoma clinical trial

QIMR Berghofer, an independent medical research institute based in Brisbane, has announced that its Genetics of Glaucoma clinical trial is now open for recruitment.

The trial aims to evaluate whether returning genetic risk results to individuals with both a high genetic risk score and a family history of glaucoma provides any clinical benefit. This could then help determine whether those at higher genetic risk should undergo more frequent eye examinations to enable earlier detection of glaucoma.

The Genetics of Glaucoma clinical trial will be among the first to return this type of genetic risk information to participants, and will help inform future studies that integrate genetic data with standard clinical assessments, thereby improving glaucoma risk management in the community.

Eligible participants are individuals who:
• Are aged 50–70 years,
• Do not currently have glaucoma, and
• Have a first-degree relative with glaucoma.

Participants will be invited to undertake a genetic test using a saliva sample, with a subset receiving comprehensive eye examinations at either six-monthly or two-yearly intervals. Optometrists can encourage individuals with a family history of glaucoma (but no personal history of the disease), as well as patients’ families, to participate in the trial by registering here.

Key details

Trial registration page: visit here
Ethics number: Trial P4006
Approved by: The QIMR Berghofer Human Research Ethics Committee
For enquiries, email Glaucoma_Genetics@qimrberghofer.edu.au or call (07) 3845 3981.