Clinical Trials Facility
Retina Consultants of Charleston has over 2000 square feet of space dedicated to research and clinical trials. Our cutting edge technology allows us to be part of the most advanced retina trials worldwide. Our equipment consists of Cirrus, Stratus, and Heidelberg OCT's, digital high definition fundus and fluorescein angiography (FA) cameras, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) Heidelberg cameras (Spectralis HRA+OCT), and a Humphrey visual field. All locations boast dedicated, multi-study certified 4-meter exam lanes with various visual acuity and lighting capabilities to meet protocol-specific requirements, including ETDRS and low luminance. Equipped with separate waiting areas and exam rooms used exclusively for clinical trials, each site also has dedicated, locked storage for clinical trials documents as well as locked, monitored, temperature-controlled refrigerators and freezers.
Clinical Trials Staff
Beaufort Research Group
Mt Pleasant Research Group
West Ashley Research Group
Ladson Research Group
Retina Consultants of Charleston has multiple staff members dedicated to clinical trials that are highly qualified and certified to perform all clinical trial tasks. We have multi-study certified visual acuity technicians and photographers that are certified by the top image reading centers including the DARC, Duke, and Merit Excelsior Reading Centers. At our CLIA certified facilities, we are able to collect and centrifuge all biologic samples on-site. All specimens are packed and shipped by staff that are trained and certified in hazardous material transportation.
Our principal investigators and sub-investigators are board certified ophthalmologists, highly motivated for research, and have extensive backgrounds in clinical trials.
Our program directors include a retina specialist trained in Europe, with extensive experience in clinical trials management and an optometrist trained at the University of Missouri, an ophthalmologist trained in Mexico and a Pharmacist trained in Charleston. Our directors are compassionate, highly meticulous individuals and are always available for patients and clinical trials monitors.
Clinical Trials Patients
Charleston is the oldest city in the state of South Carolina and is currently the second largest city in the state. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was created. The population was estimated to be 125,000 in 2009, making it the second most populous city in South Carolina. Current trends put Charleston as the fastest-growing municipality in South Carolina.
Retina Consultants of Charleston has 10 locations that allow us to serve all of Charleston County, Orangeburg County, Florence County, Beaufort County and Colleton County. Our doctors examine patients from all over South Carolina and our referrals come from all over the Southeast. We see more than 2000 patients every month, allowing access to our clinical trial facility to more patients than most of the retina specialists in our area.
I feel quite fortunate to be a patient at Retina Consultants. I participated in a clinical trial for a drug to treat macular degeneration and all of the doctors and staff I encountered through this year long study were so kind, compassionate and professional. My thanks to all of the staff at Retina Consultants.— Debra
We currently have ongoing studies at all locations for diabetes, macular degeneration, vein occlusion and more. If you are interested in learning more or participating in a clinical trial for macular or retinal disease, please call us at 843-763-4466 or email our Director of Clinical Trials, Carlos Ortiz, at C.Ortiz@retinacharleston.com. You will receive a reply from us within 48 - 72 hours.
