Research Asia

Acanthamoeba Keratitis Studies

UCSF and Aravind Eye Hospitals in India are investigating the diagnosis and treatment strategies for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious cause of corneal blindness.

PI: Jeremy Keenan, MD, MPH and Gerami Seitzman, MD

First-line Antimetabolites as Steroid-sparing Treatment (FAST) Uveitis Trial

A multicenter trial comparing methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil as first-line immunosuppressive therapies for noninfectious uveitis.

PI: Nisha Acharya, MD, MS

Glaucoma Screening Project

Compares the sensitivity and specificity of portable tests for glaucoma screening at Narayana Nethralaya in Bangalore, India.

PI: UCSF + Narayana Nethralaya

Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trials (MUTT I & II)

Evaluates natamycin versus voriconazole and oral antifungal use in severe fungal keratitis. Conducted in India and Nepal.

PI: Lietman, Aravind, Dartmouth

Nepal Elimination of Trachoma Study (NETS)

Randomized trial to evaluate mass antibiotic strategies for elimination of ocular chlamydia at the district level in Nepal.

PI: Thomas Lietman, MD

SCUT Logo

Steroids and Cross-linking for Ulcer Treatment (SCUT II)

Evaluates visual outcomes of antimicrobial treatment alone vs. in combination with collagen cross-linking in India and the U.S.

PI: Thomas M. Lietman, MD

Systemic and Topical Antiviral Control of Cytomegalovirus Anterior uveitis: Treatment Outcomes (STACCATO)

Two international randomized trials to determine the best treatment and prevention strategy for CMV anterior uveitis.

PI: John Gonzales, MD

Telemedicine for CMV Retinitis

In collaboration with Chiang Mai University, this study tests AI-assisted smartphone imaging for CMV diagnosis in HIV+ patients in Thailand.

PI: UCSF + Chiang Mai University

Village Integrated Eye Worker Trial (VIEW I & II)

Assesses community health worker-based eye screening and treatment for corneal abrasions, glaucoma, and AMD in Nepal.

PI: Thomas M. Lietman, MD & Jeremy Keenan, MD, MPH