RecruitingObservational

The emotional impact of restoring sight

This research, called 'The emotional impact of restoring sight,' aims to understand how young people (aged 10-20) feel emotionally and mentally when they have treatments to improve their eyesight. While many new treatments are available, we don't fully know how these affect a young person's well-being. Looking at adults, sometimes improving sight can lead to low mood. This study will gather information through questionnaires and interviews over a year to learn more. The goal is to create helpful guidelines for supporting young people's mental health during and after these important treatments. It's hoped this will make a real difference in how care is provided.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

Start

08 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Any eye disease causing bilateral vision impairment

What is this study about?

Imagine getting a treatment that could help you see better. While this is wonderful news, this study wants to understand how such a big change affects how young people feel inside, their emotions, and their overall mental health. Many new treatments are now available for eye conditions that cause poor vision in children and teenagers, but we don't yet fully understand the emotional journey they go through.

We know that for adults, sometimes when their sight improves, they can experience feelings of sadness or a dip in their well-being. We want to find out if this is also true for younger people, or if their experiences are different.

By taking part, you would be helping us learn more about this important topic. The information gathered will be used to create helpful advice and support guides for doctors and nurses. This means that future young people receiving similar treatments will get the best possible emotional and mental health care, alongside their vision treatment.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on understanding how young people (10-20) feel emotionally after sight-improving eye treatments.
It aims to create better mental health support guidelines for future patients.
Participation involves filling out questionnaires and having short interviews five times over a year.
There are no direct personal benefits, but you could be referred for mental health support if needed.
Your decision to participate is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 10 to 20 years old. They need to have an eye condition that makes it hard for them to see clearly with both eyes.

They must also be about to start a treatment that doctors believe will improve their vision.

Finally, participants should be able to understand and answer questions in English. Anyone who doesn't fit these descriptions unfortunately can't join this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 20 years old?
Do you have an eye condition that affects your vision in both eyes?
Are you about to have an eye treatment that is expected to make your vision better?
Can you understand and answer questions comfortably in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your feelings and well-being. You'll do this five times: once before you start your eye treatment, and then again 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment.

You'll also have two short chats (interviews) with a researcher: one before your treatment and one at your final visit a year later. If you're under 16, your parent or guardian will also be asked to fill out similar questionnaires at each of these times and have a short chat with the researcher at your first and last visit. The whole process will last about a year.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is mainly for research, so it's not likely to directly benefit you right away. However, if you or your parents have any concerns about your mental health during the study, the researchers can help by guiding you to the right support services. It's possible that some questions in the interviews might touch on personal topics that could feel a bit uncomfortable. The researchers are well-trained and have strict plans in place to handle these situations, with help from mental health experts, ensuring you get any necessary support, even emergency care if needed. Remember, you are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre
City only
London, England
Dept. of Clinical & Academic Ophthalmology
City only
London, England

Common questions

What kind of treatments are you looking at?

We are interested in any eye treatment that your doctors expect will improve your vision.

Will I get paid to be in the study?

The study does not offer payment for participation, but it won't cost you anything to take part.

Who will see my answers to the questionnaires?

Your answers will be kept private and confidential. Only the research team will have access to your personal information, but your data will be used in a way that protects your identity.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved for about a year in total, from before your treatment to 12 months afterwards.

Can I still get my regular eye treatment if I don't join the study?

Yes, absolutely. Your decision about whether or not to join the study will not affect your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Michael Crossland

m.crossland@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0)2076086800 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.