At ARVO 2025, one truth cut through the noise: you can’t innovate at the expense of data integrity. As trials evolve to be more decentralized and patient-centric, the pressure to maintain precision, especially in ocular endpoints, has never been higher.
For 20/20 Onsite, this wasn’t just another conference. It was a chance to show how our point-of-need ophthalmic solutions are transforming clinical trials by removing access barriers without compromising quality.
The conference’s theme—“i3: Imaging, Innovation, and Intelligence in Vision Science”—sparked big conversations across sponsor, CRO, and site leadership:
How can point-of-need models expand access and improve patient retention?
Can AI optimize—not replace—human judgment?
How do we scale trial operations without risking endpoint quality?
“The leaders we met at ARVO are investing in smart, risk-mitigating strategies that prioritize quality. The ophthalmology community is focusing on protecting primary and secondary endpoints as they work to accelerate new therapies to market.”
Decentralized trial (DCT) solutions aren’t experimental anymore—they’re expected. Our Mobile Vision Clinics (MVCs) remove geographic and logistical barriers by bringing clinical-quality eye exams directly to participants' homes, workplaces, or local hubs.
This isn't convenience for its own sake. It’s a proven way to drive diversity, boost retention, and keep patients engaged from start to finish.
From real-time AI imaging to regenerative therapies, ARVO buzzed with momentum. At 20/20 Onsite, we already see how these innovations are being deployed in live trials—not years from now, but today.
As Katie Sigg, 20/20 Onsite Account Executive, Life Sciences, highlighted how tools like advanced imaging and AI are driving operational efficiency and better patient experiences. These technologies are no longer just optimizing trials—they’re redefining the future of ophthalmic care itself.
Every sponsor talks about being patient-first. At 20/20 Onsite, we build our model around it. As Lindsay Hedley, Project Manager at 20/20 Onsite, shared,
“In many ways we act as an extension of the CRO [or site]. Research sites are happy with the way that we deliver care to their patients and quickly and securely provide the necessary exam results to their Principle Investigators. Beyond that, our patient communication, the delivery method and the tailored planning that goes into each visit is proof that we put patient centricity into action. We always start by making the patient a priority.”
Staffing shortages and site variability are the new normal. Trial success hinges on flexibility, without sacrificing speed or quality.
"It’s clear that operational flexibility is now essential for clinical trial success. With the ongoing shortage of ophthalmologists, research staff, and other resources, the industry is shifting toward more flexible trial infrastructures. The future of clinical trials lies with those who can deliver high quality results while supporting sites efficiently.”
Decentralized models aren’t just about convenience—they’re about solving real operational challenges that cost time, money, and participants.
Consider the numbers:
80% of clinical trials in the U.S. fail to meet enrollment goals (Tufts CSDD, 2024)
30% of enrolled participants drop out before study completion
A major reason? Travel burden. The average patient travels 67 miles to reach a trial site. With 20/20 Onsite, that drops to just 12 miles
Every mile matters. Reducing the travel footprint removes a key barrier to participation, especially for underserved populations and working adults. That expands your reach, improves diversity, and boosts long-term retention.
When trials are easier to join and stay in, timelines shrink, data quality improves, and protocol compliance strengthens. The ripple effect is measurable and massive.
Imaging quality isn’t something you can “fix in post.” And when vision endpoints are primary or secondary measures, every pixel counts.
That’s why endpoint protection is embedded into everything we do. From calibrated equipment to trained technicians, our mobile model is built to deliver the same clinical-grade data you’d expect from a brick-and-mortar site—only at the point of need.
What that looks like in action:
98%+ data-submission accuracy across thousands of exams
100% on-time screening delivery, even across multi-site studies
High-resolution image capture at workplaces, homes, and community centers
No matter where the patient is, we protect your endpoints with the rigor you need to pass regulatory scrutiny and power your downstream analyses.
Too many studies lose time and participants during handoffs between vendors, sites, and sponsors. Each layer adds risk and delays.
20/20 Onsite simplifies the stack. Our end-to-end clinical trial solution integrates into your workflow from day one. We handle scheduling, equipment setup, patient communications, data capture, and delivery—so your sites stay focused on science, not logistics.
We’ve supported and are currently supporting:
34+ active studies across 48 U.S. states
National and regional deployments with no added site headcount
Site-ready operations that help sponsors meet or beat first-patient-in dates
We don’t just slot into your protocol—we help optimize it. From feasibility through final visit, our operational model reduces complexity, accelerates timelines, and ensures that the patient and the data stay at the center of every visit.
Every improvement in trial design, access, or execution translates to better outcomes—not just for the study, but for the patients it’s designed to serve.
Here’s what it adds up to:
Broader access leads to more diverse, more generalizable safety and efficacy data
Standardized imaging ensures valid comparisons and protects your endpoints
Integrated operations reduce startup drag and operational overhead
Patient-first communication sustains engagement, improving retention
This is more than a service offering—it’s a blueprint for a new kind of ophthalmic research. One where speed doesn’t undercut quality, and scale doesn’t dilute precision.
ARVO 2025 wasn’t just a snapshot of what’s coming—it confirmed what’s already underway.
Decentralized and hybrid trials are no longer future-state concepts. They’re the default direction for sponsors who want to reach broader populations, move faster, and ensure their data can withstand regulatory scrutiny.
But making that vision real requires more than a shift in location—it requires executional excellence, smart technology, and a partner who understands both how to scale and when not to cut corners.
The real question isn’t “should we decentralize?”—it’s “who can help us do it right?”
If you're rethinking your trial design or planning your next ophthalmic study, let’s chat!
At 20/20 Onsite, we bring clinical precision to the point of need—supporting your team, safeguarding your endpoints, and ensuring your trial runs smoothly from day one.