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Now Enrolling · Glaucoma Trials

The future of eye care begins with clinical research.

The Future of Vision… Today!

At Westlake Eye Specialists, clinical research is part of how we deliver the most advanced care in Central Texas. Our active studies give eligible patients access to tomorrow's treatments — and right now, we're enrolling in FDA glaucoma trials.

Express Your Interest Explore Our Research
Clinical research in eye care at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin
01 — About the Program

Tomorrow's treatments, available today.

Every modern eye treatment — every drop, lens, and surgical technique — exists because patients took part in clinical research. As a research site, Westlake Eye Specialists helps bring that progress to Central Texas, evaluating tomorrow's therapies and offering eligible patients access to them today.

Clinical research lets us offer our patients the most current approaches in eye care — often years before they become widely available.

Our studies span a range of eye conditions, with our current focus on glaucoma trials. Participation is always voluntary, and our physicians and dedicated research coordinator guide you through every step. You stay under the care of the Westlake team you already trust — with the added attention that comes with being part of a closely monitored study.

02 — Our Research

Where our research is focused.

Our clinical research spans the conditions that matter most to our patients. Glaucoma is our active area of enrollment today, with additional studies ongoing and on the horizon.

Enrolling Now
Glaucoma

Westlake Eye Specialists is actively recruiting participants for glaucoma research studies focused on investigational treatments designed to lower eye pressure and preserve vision.

Ongoing
Cataract & Lens

Dedicated to advancing cataract surgery through ongoing research and innovation.

Study Completed
Cornea & Dry Eye

Having recently completed a dry eye study, we've been selected as a participating site for an anticipated follow-up study in dry eye care.

03 — Currently Enrolling

Our active clinical trials.

We're currently enrolling participants for two clinical trials. Eligibility for each study is determined on an individual basis — reach out to learn whether you may qualify.

Glaucoma clinical study at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin
Enrolling Now
FDA Clinical Trial

Cataract & Glaucoma Clinical Trial

Westlake Eye Specialists is looking for volunteers for a clinical trial evaluating a drug-delivery implant designed to help manage eye pressure in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

  • Qualified participants may receive cataract surgery, post-operative eye medications, and glaucoma drops at little to no cost
  • Study-related eye exams and glaucoma testing at no cost for up to 3 years
  • Compensation up to $1,600 for completed study visits, plus travel reimbursement

Participation is voluntary. Eligibility criteria apply.

Enrolling Now
FDA Clinical Trial

Glaucoma Implant Clinical Trial

Westlake Eye Specialists is looking for individuals with glaucoma or high eye pressure to help evaluate advanced treatment options designed to improve glaucoma management and reduce dependence on daily eye drops.

  • Qualified participants will receive an FDA-approved iDose® TR implant that continuously delivers glaucoma medication inside the eye
  • A chance to receive the investigational iStent infinite® device designed to help lower eye pressure
  • Study-related eye exams and glaucoma testing at no cost for up to 12 months
  • Compensation up to $1,050 for completed study visits and travel

Participation is voluntary. Eligibility criteria apply.

Interested in learning more about either study? Our research coordinator can review the details and eligibility criteria with you.

04 — Your Point of Contact

Meet our clinical research coordinator.

KM

Kristin Mika

Full-Time Clinical Research Coordinator

Kristin is your dedicated guide through the clinical trial process at Westlake Eye Specialists. From your first question to enrollment and follow-up, she'll help you understand each study, what participation involves, and whether you may be eligible.

Email Kristin (512) 472-4011
05 — How It Works

From interest to enrollment.

i

Reach Out

Email Kristin or call our Austin office to share your interest. There's no commitment — it simply starts the conversation about whether a study might be right for you.

ii

Review & Screening

We'll review the available trials with you and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for any currently enrolling study, answering every question along the way.

iii

Participate & Follow-Up

If you choose to enroll, you'll receive study care alongside your regular treatment, with close monitoring from our physicians and research team throughout.

06 — Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about clinical trials.

If your question isn't answered here, our research coordinator is happy to talk it through with you directly.

What is a glaucoma clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates a new treatment, device, or surgical technique to confirm it is safe and effective before it becomes widely available.

Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin participates in FDA-regulated glaucoma trials, giving eligible patients access to investigational treatments under the close supervision of our physicians and a dedicated clinical research coordinator.

Who can participate in a glaucoma study at Westlake Eye Specialists?

Each trial has its own eligibility criteria based on factors like your type and stage of glaucoma, age, overall health, and current treatments.

The best way to find out whether you qualify is to reach out to our clinical research coordinator, Kristin Mika, who will review the current studies with you and help determine if any are a good fit.

Does it cost anything to take part in a clinical trial?

In most clinical trials, study-related care and the investigational treatment are provided at no cost to participants, and some studies offer compensation for time and travel.

Coverage varies by study. Our research coordinator can walk you through the specific details of any trial you are considering before you decide to enroll.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?

FDA-regulated clinical trials follow strict safety protocols and are overseen by independent review boards. Participation is always voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time for any reason.

Our physicians monitor every study participant closely throughout the trial. Talk with our team about the potential benefits and risks of any specific study.

How do I sign up for a glaucoma trial in Austin?

To express interest in a glaucoma study at Westlake Eye Specialists, email our clinical research coordinator Kristin Mika at Kmika@westlakeeyes.com or call our Austin office at (512) 472-4011.

She will answer your questions and help determine whether you may be eligible for one of our currently enrolling trials.

Will joining a study change my regular eye care?

You continue to receive care from your Westlake Eye Specialists physicians throughout a clinical trial. In many cases, study participation means additional monitoring and attention to your eye health.

Your regular treatment plan and your relationship with your doctor remain central to your care.

Ready to learn more?

Be part of what's next in glaucoma care.

The Future of Vision… Today!

If you're interested in joining a glaucoma study, reach out to our clinical research coordinator. There's no obligation — just a conversation about whether a trial might be right for you.

Email Kristin Mika Call (512) 472-4011
Or email us directly:Kmika@westlakeeyes.com