Scott Ruark
Clinical Trials Specialist, Sr.
2311 Pierce Avenue
Nashville, TN 37232-8808
Phone: (615) 936-3465
Fax: (615) 936-0128
scott.ruark@vumc.org
Saige Wilkins
Clinical Trials Specialist
2311 Pierce Avenue
Nashville, TN 37232-8808
Phone: (615) 936-1474
Fax: (615) 936-0128
Currently enrolling Clinical Trials:
Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS): Important Study on Shingles of the Eye
The Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS), supported by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, aims to determine the best treatment to reduce the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, also referred to as shingles of the eye. Our goals are to have a diverse group of study participants and to make the study as accessible as possible across the United States and Canada. Your participation in this research study will enable us to find the best treatment for zoster/shingles of the eye.
The purpose of this research study is to determine whether a low-dose of antiviral treatment taken by mouth for one year reduces complications of the varicella zoster virus, including eye disease and chronic pain. This treatment is effective and widely used in a similar eye disease caused by a related virus. The antiviral medication has been approved for many years for the short-term treatment of acute zoster/shingles and other viral infections, and has an excellent safety record. The study is designed to obtain the highest quality evidence to determine optimal care for future patients.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with eye disease caused by zoster/shingles, you can learn more about ZEDS by calling Scott Ruark at 615-936-1639 or you can call the ZEDS Coordinating Center at NYU Langone Health at 1-844-NYU-ZEDS (1-844-698-9337). You can also learn more on the ZEDS website or on clinicaltrials.gov.
CTX Prevalence Study:
Do you or your child have cataracts in both eyes?
If so, you might be interested in a voluntary research study of people who have cataracts in both eyes at a young age.
This study involves no medication.
You or your child may be eligible to participate if:
- You have cataracts in both eyes
- You have no known cause for your cataracts
- You were between the ages of 2 and 21 at the time the cataracts were diagnosed
You may also CLICK HERE to view our flyer for this study.
Pediatric Optic Neuritis Prospective Outcomes Study (PON1):
For additional information on the PON1 study please contact:
Scott Ruark (615) 936-1639