A brief overview

the lens trial is now closed.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Approximately 1,000 patients from across Scotland known to have diabetes and retinopathy are taking part in LENS. With their approval, their health was followed during the trial. This was done accurately and confidentially from a range of medical records using existing electronic systems. It was done safely and securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Permission has been obtained from the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee and from NHS Scotland’s Public Benefits and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care to ensure that the trial is done to the highest standards.

Patients who agreed to participate were involved in LENS for between three and five years but were only required to attend two face-to-face visits in a NHS research clinic at a local hospital. After these initial visits, their progress was followed by means of contact by completing a questionnaire every six months, either by telephone or on their own computer, whichever was preferable to them.