The Centre for Clinical Trials (CEC) performs randomized clinical trials with special emphasis on ophthalmology and cardiology.

CEC has dedicated facilities and the most modern ophthalmological equipment. Its permanent staff includes one ophthalmologist, three technicians for diagnostic procedures, four study coordinators and two administrative secretaries. 23 other medical doctors, one pharmacist, four technicians for diagnostic procedures, one laboratory technician and five nurses collaborate regularly in the CEC activities.

The professional organisation of the Centre for Clinical Trials with a Manual of SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) and its convenient location, next to the University Hospital of Coimbra and the Celas Unit of ARSC – Regional Health Administration of the Centre Region, are a guarantee that the deadlines are successfully met and in compliance with the ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines. The Centre for Clinical Trials is certified by ISO 9001 to perform clinical trials, thus guaranteeing the continual improvement of its work.

CEC is also certified as a "Site of Excellence" by the EVICR.net - European Vision Institute Clinical Research Network, that is a clinical trial center in ophthalmology that complies with ICH GCP Guidelines with written SOPs, has the necessary equipment and personnel to perform clinical trials and has proven expertise and scientific publications in this area.

Areas of expertise

•  Characterisation and evaluation of the most recent methods to study the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
• Identification of phenotypes and biomarkers of retinal disease progression.
• Evaluation of new methodologies for multimodal mapping of the macula.
• Correlation between structure-function with psychophysics tests to study the early signs of retinal disease.
• Testing new methods of early diagnosis and characterisation of macular edema and retinal vascular pathology.
• Evaluation of new drugs to treat glaucoma. Development of methods to correlate clinical indicators of disease progression, particularly regarding optic nerve degeneration and the mechanisms of the actions of drugs being tested.