Divo Study
What is the DIvO study?
One in 3,000 babies are born with cataracts, a cloudiness of the lens in the eye that blocks vision.
If the cataracts are severe, then surgery to save the child’s sight is needed within 10 weeks. While all babies born in the UK are screened for cataracts at birth, the test is difficult.
This is especially the case for babies with darker skin tones. At present, the test may mean cases being missed or suggest a problem that does not exist.
Previous research studies suggest eye imaging may be more accurate than the current test.
With the DIvO study (Digital Imaging versus Opthalmology study) we want to find out which test is better:
The new test - digital imaging with a Neocam camera. We are looking for a bright reflection from the back of the eye using a camera versus
The current test - ophthalmoscopy.
This is where we look for the red reflection from the back of the eye using a special torch.
How you can help our research
If you are pregnant, please consider allowing your baby to be part of the DIvO Study.
- Neither test will causes your baby discomfort
- If either test shows there might be a problem, your baby would have a specialist eye examination
- We will check your baby’s NHS records within two years of their birth to find out if they have had cataracts
What difference could the DIvO Study make?
If the study shows Neocam is more accurate, it could become the recommended national screening test for the NHS in future
- Fewer babies might suffer from preventable sight loss in the UK, and abroad
- Fewer families would have the stress of an unnecessary specialist eye referral
More information
For more information on the DIvO study, scan the QR Code or visit www.divostudy.org for more details
Patient information
Click below for our patient information for the DIvO Study for participants