Providence, RI-Brown University researchers received a 7-year, $5.3-million contract from the National Eye Institute to review data on the best treatments for eyes and vision and to make that information accessible to practitioners and the public.
'We will build a research-based register of all controlled trials related to ophthalmology and optometry,' said Kay Dickersin, PhD, who received the contract. She is associate professor of community health and oversees the New England Cochrane Center Providence Office at Brown.
Dr. Dickersin and project director Suzanne Brodney will provide and coordinate training and support to vision practitioners on how to identify and analyze the best available evidence on the effects of interventions and treatments in eye care.
The contract will train practitioners to search U.S.-based eye and vision journals and conference abstracts for relevant studies. In addition, practitioners involved with the project will learn how to train peers nationwide to conduct and use systematic literature reviews.
The researchers will disseminate the findings to help physicians and consumers make more-informed health-care choices. The results will be made available in print, on the Internet, and in libraries worldwide.OT
