Leveraging Real-World Data From The IRIS^® Registry To Improve Diversity In Ophthalmology Clinical Trials

Ensuring diversity in clinical trials is critical to developing safe, effective treatments that serve all populations. In ophthalmology, conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular edema disproportionately impact minority groups, yet these populations remain underrepresented in clinical research. With real-world data (RWD) and the FDA’s new Diversity Action Plan requirements, sponsors are now expected to set clear goals and strategies for enrolling diverse populations in clinical trials.

IRIS Registry data can guide more inclusive eligibility criteria, smarter site selection, and tailored recruitment strategies. Tools like Verana Trial Connect and Site Explorer help sponsors identify practices that serve underrepresented populations and support those sites in referring patients to clinical trials. Beyond trial enrollment, real-world insights from the IRIS Registry enable better trial design, helping sponsors remove barriers to participation, whether through flexible visit schedules or remote data collection. By leveraging these data-driven approaches, sponsors can improve the inclusivity, relevance, and impact of ophthalmology trials, ultimately advancing health equity and ensuring that new treatments reflect the needs of the patients most affected.