The Clinical Eye Research Unit (CERU) at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) has been conducting research with human subjects for over 40 years. CERU is an academic research organization that enhances ophthalmic care and develops methods to prevent and treat blindness, we excel in clinical trials, translational research and research education services, as well as through multi-disciplinary collaborations.
The DOVS has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of vision research. CERU is inextricably linked to this success, providing researchers all over the world with accurate, reliable results from the clinical trials it administers.
Clinical trials in vision research sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have led to new medications, supplements and methods for disease detection that have saved or improved the eyesight of millions of people. We have been at the forefront of many of these including AREDS, AREDS 2, SCORE, SCORE 2, DRCRnet trials, Pedig pediatric trials, CAPT, and CATT. Many of these trials reveal important data for safe and effective treatments for eye diseases and vision loss.
While CERU serves as the primary clinical research team for DOVS, we actively collaborate studies that can affect the eye in any way. CERU is often involved in clinical trials initiated by departments within the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and extend all across campus, including UW Hospital and Carbone Cancer Center.
CERU provides top imaging and diagnostics technology for most ophthalmology-related trial needs. CERU has decades of experience coordinating trials for Phase I, II, III, and IV studies, anywhere from small, local investigator-initiated trials to large nationwide studies.
Our staff are certified clinical research coordinators with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Our areas of expertise include, but are not limited to; technical assessments and direct patient care, patient education and advocacy, data collection and management, and regulatory compliance.
The CERU is a leading resource for investigator-initiated clinical research projects, clinical trials, education of future generations of clinical researchers, and serves as the liaison for interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Mihai Mititelu, Associate Professor, Medical Director of Clinical Eye Research Unit
Indisputably, our most important role is to guide patients through the treatment of their difficult eye condition, offering them not only the most current medical techniques and treatments, but also compassionate and knowledgeable care committed to protecting their safety.
Jennie Perry-Raymond, Clinical Trials Administrator