Networking of Eye Hospitals on a National Level for Promoting and Advancing Conduct of Clinical Trials.

Purpose: The complexity of clinical trials is increasing for both sponsors and study sites. This impacts planning, preparation, implementation, and conduct of all studies. The exchange of experience and cooperation helps centers to better master the various challenges facing ophthalmological study centers. This serves the efficiency of multicenter studies, including timely patient recruitment.

Methods: The DOG (German Society of Ophthalmology) Clinical Study Centers Working Group (WG) was founded in 2011. Since then, regular meetings have been held including the annual during the DOG and meeting. There is also a continuous exchange in between these meetings. Symposia are regularly held at the DOG conferences together with industry and regulatory authorities. A range of courses on the conduct clinical trials has been established, and joint publications and DOG recommendations are regularly generated.

Results: Since its foundation, the WG has tremendously gained visibility and popularity. Its members have increased from 40 (2011) to 80 (2024). Study-specific recommendations were produced early on, which were published by the DOG in German and English language. The topics of the publications and symposia range from study design, budget negotiations, special challenges, publication regulations, and legislation to the attractiveness of Germany as a study location. Since 2023, a patient video of the WG has been available to support and foster recruitment of study patients.

Conclusion: The DOG Working Group Clinical Study Centers has become a platform for cooperation and representation of the interests of German ophthalmological study centers. It also represents an important link to industry and is engaged in a lively dialogue to promote Germany as a study location in ophthalmology. The group and its activities may serve as a model for other medical societies and countries.