Congratulations to our NICRN Vision team for winning a recruitment award for COMBAT

August 10, 2026

The NICRN Vision team were delighted to win an award for recruiting the highest number of participants from a low socioeconomic background to the COMBAT study led by Prof Noemi Lois. This study is investigating the safety and efficacy of treating patients with a retinal detachment with vitrectomy surgery only or phaco-vitrectomy surgery.

The team received the award as part of a recent Study Within A Trial (SWAT) which aims to increase recruitment of participants who are typically underserved in research trials. They were delighted to play a role in ensuring equitable access and recruitment to trials for people in NI from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Vision team, along with the pre-assessment team and CI Prof Noemi Lois, used their prize money to enjoy a team meal together.