Legacy ophthalmic trial sites were built using traditional models. These solutions have done an admirable job and have advanced research exponentially, but as the industry continues to evolve, today’s trials are demanding more flexibility, speed, and control. Do point-of-need or mobile models—like those offered by 20/20 Onsite—deliver a strategic edge in these areas?
Traditional Solutions
Fixed-location ophthalmology clinics do a wonderful job with patient vision care; however, they weren’t designed to meet the operational demands of clinical trials. This can lead to:
- Scheduling delays for key assessments due to their normal clinic patients
- Inconsistent technician training per the protocol
- Device variability that can fail calibration checks
- Patient burden (i.e., travel) that contributes to missed visits and dropout
As trials scale across geographies or serve populations with mobility challenges, these issues compound, and so do the costs.
Why Point-of-Need Models are Different
Mobile clinics equipped with advanced assessment equipment and certified staff eliminate the need for off-site referrals, creating an environment optimized for the execution of clinical trials:
- Assessments can take place where patients already are
- Assessments occur in line with scheduled protocol windows
- On-site services scale to meet trial assessment volume
Phase 1 Demands a Different Kind of Solution
Early-phase trials can be unpredictable. Windows shift and cohorts fill quickly, meaning flexibility isn't optional! Here’s how 20/20 Onsite supports Phase 1 clinical trials versus traditional solutions:
|
Phase 1 Requirement |
20/20 Onsite |
Traditional Solutions |
|
Compressed Timelines |
Point-of-need/mobile setup enables rapid response to protocol-driven timepoints (i.e., Day -1, Day 1, Day 8 assessments) |
Limited flexibility and availability for rapid turnaround due to current patient commitments |
|
High Tempo, High Volume |
Staffed for continuous cohort flow (i.e., multiple patients every 5-10 minutes), can scale lanes as needed by bringing in more mobile clinics |
Not normally equipped for rapid-fire throughput or large volume |
|
Embedded Execution |
Fully embedded at site or mobile suite stationed nearby for extended periods |
Off-site locations which can disrupt trial logistics and flow |
|
Frequent Workflow Adjustments |
Clinical staff adapt to dynamic schedules with minimal disruption |
Fixed hours and scheduling rigidity can prevent quick changes |
|
Protocol & Workflow Design Expertise |
Consultative support during trial startup and clinic day design |
Normally, no role in clinic flow or protocol structuring |
|
Experience with Trial Tools |
Familiar with multiple eSource systems and compliance standards |
While some do have experience, many lack experience with clinical data systems |
|
Scalability Across Cohorts |
Ability to scale the number of lanes available to support any cohort size by bringing in more mobile clinics |
Capacity limited by clinic space and availability |
What This Means for Your Trial
In clinical trials with ocular endpoints, ophthalmic assessments play a central role in both safety and efficacy. If you miss a baseline or produce low-quality scans, you’re looking at:
- Enrollment delays
- Missed endpoints
- Protocol deviations
20/20 Onsite builds compliance from the beginning. Our model provides control over timelines, consistency in image quality, and improved retention by meeting patients exactly where they are, whether at your site, their home, or a community center.
What Clinical Teams Gain
- Reliable cohort flow on dense schedules
- Seamless coordination with central readers
- Clean eSource data from baseline through final visit
- Improved retention (91% vs 70% industry average) and patient satisfaction metrics (95+ NPS)
Conclusion
Sponsors, CROs, and sites who work with 20/20 Onsite don’t compromise between flexibility and rigor. They get advanced assessments when and where needed, without burdening the site or the patient.
Our clinical trial solutions provide mobile, advanced ophthalmic assessments directly to your trial, eliminating the delays, inconsistencies, and patient burden that come with fixed-site clinics.
Ready to learn more about quality endpoint protection by 20/20 Onsite? Book a call today!