Eye Research Foundation Inc. Information

The Eye Research Foundation is a premier clinical research center with expertise in successful recruitment and completion of phase 1-4 ophthalmology trials. Founded in 1998 by Dr. David and Linda Wirta, the Foundation has overseen the successful completion of over 200 clinical research trials for a wide variety of indications. Our research center is a 6,000 square foot suite designed and built for the purpose of running successful trials. We are located in the prestigious Hoag Health Center Newport, within a quarter-mile of nationally recognized Hoag Hospital. We are equipped with nine eye exam lanes, large research patient lounges, overnight facilities and beds, dedicated monitoring spaces, secure/temperature controlled pharmacy space, blood collection processing space and equipment, minor surgical suite with operating microscope, as well as the latest in ophthalmic diagnostic equipment. We are fully staffed by two ophthalmologists, Dr. David Wirta and Dr. Ira Vidor. We also have a host of available sub-investigators of various ophthalmic and other medical specialty backgrounds. Our site is managed by our director, Linda Wirta, whose deep experience and attention to detail lends itself to consistency and accountability in our work. We currently have nine clinical coordinators, supported by several assistant coordinators, in addition to ophthalmic technicians and support staff. Our coordinators, in general, hold both CCRC (certified clinical research coordinator) and COA (certified ophthalmic assistant) certifications. The average years of experience of our site’s coordinators is 8 years. We have been conducting a wide range of clinical study projects since 1998. Our experience includes 110 glaucoma/OHTN studies, 50 dry eye studies, 30+ PK studies, 10 blepharitis studies, 10 neurotoxin/cosmetic indication studies, 10 healthy normal volunteer studies, 6 presbyopia studies, 5 japanese specific studies, 5 post-cataract studies, and 2 device trials.