Director of Publications

Southern College of Optometry Research

To Study Optic Nerve Head Perfusion

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (June 27, 2007) –Southern College of Optometry (SCO) researchers in Memphis are looking for healthy individuals between the ages of 18-60 to participate in a research study analyzing blood flow to areas of the retina.

Interested individuals should not have been diagnosed with any vascular or ocular disorder. Selected participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire to determine eligibility in the study. The questionnaire includes questions pertaining to demographics and medical/ocular health history.

Eligible participants will be asked to schedule a visit to perform three infrared laser scans using the Heidelberg Retinal Flowmeter (HRF) on each eye. These scans do not harm the eyes and are very similar to supermarket scanners. Each scan takes approximately two seconds with no eye drops involved in the procedure.

Total blood flow in the eye will also be measured. The procedure requires the use of an anesthetic eye drop that lasts 10-15 minutes. Information collected during the study will be kept confidential. Individuals interested in participating in the study may call (901) 722-3276.

Celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2007, Southern College of Optometry was established in Memphis, Tennessee in 1932. SCO is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with a mission to educate men and women in the art and science of optometry.

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