Guidance

Diabetic eye screening: research advisory committee

Updated 23 August 2021

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2021

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diabetic-eye-screening-submitting-research-proposals/diabetic-eye-screening-research-advisory-committee

Overview

This publication provides information about how to request access to data about the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Programme and how to submit DES-related projects for review.

You should contact the DES research advisory committee (RAC) for:

  • research projects involving DES participants
  • research, evaluation or audit activities that require national screening programme data

Submit your project documentation to the DES RAC at screening.research@phe.gov.uk when seeking approval for request proposals.

Deadlines for proposals

The next application deadline is 27 September 2021. These applications will be discussed by the committee on 8 November 2021, with outcome letters issued on 6 December 2021.

DES RAC reviews

The DES RAC has a 2-stage review process.

Pre-application advice

Send your proposal to the DES RAC early for advice on the feasibility of your request. You should seek this advice before applying for funding or ethics approvals.

Submitting your application

You must send the RAC your:

  • DES RAC application form (contact screening.research@phe.gov.uk for a copy)
  • detailed protocol
  • data specification
  • data flow diagram
  • regulatory approvals
  • patient information sheets or informed consent forms (if applicable)

All research projects should undergo formal peer review. Make sure you include a copy of the peer review report in your application.

DES RAC membership

  • Brian Ferguson (chair, economist, PHE)
  • John Anderson (diabetologist)
  • Sheila Burston (public representative)
  • Jeff Featherstone (NHS England)
  • Liddy Goyder (public health academic)
  • Bernard Gudgin (public representative)
  • Simon Harding (ophthalmologist)
  • Patrick Rankin (DES programme manager, PHE)
  • Elizabeth Robertson (charity representative)
  • Peter Scanlon (clinical lead, DES)
  • Anne Stevenson (national programmes lead, PHE)
  • Angela Whitaker (optometry representative)
  • Nick White (local screening programme manager)

Further information

Other useful sources of information include:

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