Volunteer for research

We are looking for volunteers to take part in a research study of retinal imaging

Your participation will consist of:

• Initial interview to determine eligibility
• Use of eye drops to dilate the pupil
• Use of low-power lasers to measure the optical properties of the eye and to image cells in the back

  Your participation will involve:

• 1 or more session(s) taking approximately 2-3 hrs of your time with the possibility of follow up sessions
• You will have multiple scans, each lasting approximately 2 to 7 minutes

In appreciation of your time, you will receive:

• $15/hr 

Who can participate?

• Healthy participants and those with disease between the ages of 10 and 70 years.
• Maintain steady eyes
• Able to understand written and oral instructions in English

​​​​​​​All studies have been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.

What to expect as a participant in an AOWL study 

• To begin with we will use an eligibility checklist to confirm you are an eligible participant. 

•  The procedure for the scanning session will be explained to you. 

• We will administer eye drops for dilation. 

• While you wait for your eyes to dilate, a bite mold will be made.  This involves biting down on dental putty to create a mold (AOSLO studies only) 

• You will have multiple scans, each lasting approximately 2 to 7 minutes. Between runs you are not required to do anything and will be able to relax.  During each run you will be asked to keep your head still. To help you do this, we will have you bite down on a dental mold or rest your chin and forehead on the head rests. 

• During the scan you will be asked to remain as still as possible and fixate on a light target. 

• During the scanning session, you will be in voice contact with the Adaptive Optics light Ophthalmoscope operator. You may ask the technician to terminate the scan at any time. 

• At the end of the run, you will be asked to have images taken on two clinical devices to take measurements of the eye (OCT and Axial) 

The whole procedure, including setup time, should take approximately 2-3 hrs. 

For more information about this study, please contact:
Michelle Peimann, School of Optometry and Vision Science at 519-888-4567 ext. 39995 or E-mail: michelle.peimann@uwaterloo.ca