UHCW is top recruiter in national study aimed at helping eliminate preventable childhood blindness

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has recruited more than 7,000 babies to research aimed at helping eliminate preventable childhood blindness.

UHCW is the leading recruiting organisation to the DIvO (Digital Imaging versus Ophthalmoscopy) study, which is due to close this month.

Researchers are aiming to find whether digital imaging – via a new camera, Neocam – is more accurate in detecting cataracts in newborns than using an ophthalmoscope (medical eye torch).

Each baby taking part has the normal ophthalmoscopy test plus imaging with Neocam to see which method is more accurate.

Dr Prakash Satodia, Consultant Neonatologist at UHCW and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research Lead, said: “UHCW has consistently been the highest recruiter every month since opening the study in October 2023.

“We have also been the highest overall recruiter for the total number of recruits across the country - just less than a fifth of total recruitment (38,000).

“Research is a key part of our strategy and we have had great support from colleagues in Research and Development and the Biomedical Research Unit research delivery team.”

Since early detection is so important, all UK-born babies are checked for cataracts soon after birth as part of the routine new baby examination. The test involves shining a bright torch-light into the baby’s eyes, which can be difficult.

Unlike the ophthalmoscope, Neocam does not use bright light and its digital eye photos can be transferred to a specialist for a second opinion if necessary.

Michael Ludian, the second child of mum Agata and dad Pawel Ludian, is among the 7,000 babies to have the test at UHCW.

Agata and Pawel, who also have a two-year-old daughter, said: “We are happy to be involved in anything that can be useful for future generations.

“If Michael goes on to have kids, then the results from this study could be really useful for his children. The test was quick and easy and it’s reassuring to know any issues can be picked up early.”

Early prototype development and testing was funded by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and the study is possible thanks to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme.

It is being led by Dr Louise Allen, Chief Investigator DIvO Study, Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Only around one in 3,000 babies is born with cataracts, so 25 maternity units across England have been taking part in the study.