Clinical Eye Research Unit
UW–Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of translational vision research. The Clinical Eye Research Unit (CERU) is inextricably linked to this success, providing DOVS researchers the administrative infrastructure to perform clinical trials for patients with various eye disorders.
Clinical trials in vision research, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, have led to new medications, supplements and methods for disease detection and treatments that have saved or improved the eyesight of millions of people. The CERU has been involved with many of these clinical trials including, but not limited to AREDS, AREDS2, SCORE, SCORE2, DRCRnet trials, PEDIG pediatric ophthalmology trials, CAPT, and CATT. Many of these trials revealed important data in discovering safe and effective treatments for eye diseases and vision loss.
While CERU serves as the clinical research arm for the DOVS, their mandate allows for collaboration on any study where medications given for a patient’s initial indication can affect the eye. Because of this, CERU is frequently involved in clinical trials initiated by other departments within the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as schools throughout the UW– Madison campus. This campus-wide academic research model, along with relationships with UW Hospital and Carbone Cancer Center, has resulted in CERU’s involvement in collaborative projects that extend beyond the scope of DOVS.
CERU is a self-sufficient unit that provides its own imaging and diagnostics for most ophthalmology trial needs, including anterior and posterior pole imaging, visual field testing and electrophysiology. CERU staff and providers have years of experience and a strong tradition of involvement in clinical trials, ranging from original, investigator-initiated projects (involving trainees and faculty) to major nationwide trials in phases I through IV.
The CERU team collaborates with doctors, staff, campus partners, and research sponsors to foresee the needs of those living with ophthalmic diseases. We strive to provide sight-saving prevention and treatment solutions.
CERU staff are Certified Clinical Research Coordinators with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. 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.
Clinical Eye Research Unit Team
- Mihai Mititelu, MD, MPG
- Associate Professor, Medical Director of Clinical Eye Research Unit
- Jennie Perry-Raymond
- Clinical Trials Administrator
- Angie Adler
- Study Coordinator and Regulatory Specialist
- Bonnie Verges
Research Technician and Photographer - Kristine Dietzman
Study Coordinator - Christopher Smith
Study Coordinator and Photographer - Nickie Stangel
Study Coordinator - Kelly Boyd
Study Coordinator - Brianna Miller
Regulatory/Quality Assurance Specialists