Program Overview
This work is led by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, MD, FRCSC, a retina specialist and clinician-researcher in Hamilton, Ontario.
The program collaborates with a network of imaging specialists, data scientists, AI researchers, and clinical and methodological partners across Canada and internationally.
Addressing The Gaps in Retina Care
Why This Work Matters
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) are leading causes of vision loss, affecting independence, quality of life, and long-term health. While effective therapies exist, important questions remain about how treatments perform in real-world settings, how patients respond over time, and how emerging technologies can support clinical care.
Patients with these conditions may experience difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or maintaining independence in daily activities. Treatment responses can vary, and uncertainty about long-term outcomes can be challenging for both patients and clinicians.
This program focuses on addressing these gaps through rigorous research, thoughtful analysis, and meaningful collaboration.
Our Focuses
Areas of Focus
- Real-World Clinical Research:
Studying how treatments for nAMD, DME, and RVO perform in everyday care to better understand long-term outcomes, patient experience, and variation in response.
- Evidence Synthesis:
Bringing together and critically evaluating global research on nAMD, DME, and RVO to support clear, evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients.
- Innovation & Data Science:
Exploring the role of imaging, artificial intelligence, and predictive tools in supporting clinical decision-making and advancing research in macular disease.
- Innovation & Data Science:
Developing accessible resources that help clinicians and patients engage with the best available evidence in nAMD, DME, and RVO care.
Moving Retina Care Forward
Why Support This Program
- Expansion of real-world data infrastructure for nAMD, DME, and RVO
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary experts across Canada and internationally
- Development of tools to translate research into clinical practice
- Training and mentorship opportunities in clinical research and data science
Dr. Varun Chaudhary
About the Clinician Lead
Dr. Varun Chaudhary, MD, FRCSC, is a retina specialist and clinician-researcher based in Hamilton, Ontario. His work focuses on macular disease, particularly nAMD, DME, and RVO, with an emphasis on real-world evidence, imaging biomarkers, and the evaluation of emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
He leads a clinician-driven research initiative in collaboration with experts in imaging, data science, and clinical research across Canada and internationally, with the goal of advancing knowledge and supporting evidence-based care.