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The Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) is the second largest teaching eye hospital in the UK and has strong educational and research partnerships with the University of Birmingham and Aston University.
BMEC is highly research active with a wide range of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials across diagnostics, treatment, surveillance and technology.
They are highly experienced on the set up, delivery and close out of observational and interventional clinical trials across phases 1, 2, 3a and 3b.
Their clinical trials are also subjected to a rigorous quality assurance and audit to ensure high standards of regulatory and legal compliance, and patient’s safety. Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) performance and compliance and patient recruitment figures are monitored monthly.
BMEC’s portfolio includes Biobank, Cataract, Cornea, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Inflammatory disease, Medical Retina, Paediatrics, Vitreoretinal and Uveitis.
BMEC’s strong research expertise is in Diabetic Retinopathy, Sickle Eye, Inflammatory disease/Uveitis and Ocular Surface Disease/Cornea.
If your clinical trial requires BMEC to act as a research site to delivery an existing study or study in set up, please contact Research and Development on swbh.randd.generic@nhs.net and they can support you through the study set up process for Capacity and Capability.
Partnerships and collaborations
BMEC has strong institutional ties to the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham Health Partners.
Please contact the Head of Research and Development or BMEC lead for research via swbh.randd.generic@nhs.net if you are interested in exploring academic and industry partnerships or collaborations.
Apply for sponsorship
Please contact Research and Development on swbh.randd.sponsorship@nhs.net if you are considering submitting a new study proposal and for support with the following:
Initial planning
Sponsorship and funding
Feasibility and regulatory approvals
Quality assurance and audit
Patient recruitment
Please contact the sponsorship team via the above email at your earliest opportunity to ensure you receive the appropriate support for your project.
Patients interested in taking part in ocular research
We welcome patients or staff interested in taking part in clinical trials. BMEC, in partnership with the Research and Development Department, has a team of clinical research practitioners that support the conduct of ophthalmology clinical trials.
The clinical research practitioners include your clinical care team and play a key role on inviting patients and supporting their participation on their clinical trial journey. Other members of the clinical care team such as consultants, nurses or research fellows may also inform and approach you about any suitable opportunities for your condition or treatment.
Taking part in research should be fully voluntary and well informed. You will be given time to think about your participation and opportunity to clarify any questions or concerns you might have about the clinical trial procedures or outcomes. If you accept to take part in research, you will be required to provide written consent on a paper or digital Informed consent form. Importantly, you reserve the right to withdraw your participation at any time, without the need to provide a reason and not having your clinical care affected.