Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Health Education vs Meditation in Irreversible Age-Related Vision Loss Patients and Their Caregivers

This study explores if two different approaches, meditation or a health improvement program, can boost the quality of life and mental well-being for individuals with age-related vision loss that can't be reversed, and for those who look after them. Participants might be patients aged 60-85 or carers aged 18-85. The meditation group will learn calming techniques, while the health program group will focus on healthy habits like diet and exercise, but without meditation. Both groups will have weekly online sessions and a short daily home practice. Researchers want to see if these programs are practical and helpful in improving mood and overall well-being for those dealing with the challenges of vision loss.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

150

Start

20 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

20 Dec 2027

Low Vision, One Eye, Unspecified Eye Low Vision Blindness

What is this study about?

This research study aims to find out if certain programs can help people with age-related vision loss (when eyesight gets worse with age and can't be fixed) and their carers feel better and have a better quality of life. We understand that living with or caring for someone with significant vision loss can be challenging, and it's important to explore ways to support mental well-being.

The study offers two different approaches: one focused on meditation and another on general health improvements. The meditation program will teach calming techniques to help manage stress and improve mental focus. The health improvement program will teach about healthy living, including useful tips on diet, exercise, and enjoying hobbies like music. Importantly, this program won't include meditation practices.

The main goal is to see if these types of programs are practical to deliver and if they can make a positive difference to people's mood and how they feel about their lives. Researchers are interested in whether taking part can help reduce feelings of anxiety or low mood that can sometimes come with managing vision loss.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve quality of life and mental well-being for those with irreversible age-related vision loss and their carers.
It tests two approaches: meditation or a health improvement program focused on healthy living.
Participation involves weekly online sessions via Microsoft Teams and about 33 minutes of daily home practice.
You could be a patient aged 60-85 or a carer aged 18-85, able to speak English and hear instructions.
This study doesn't involve any new medicines.
You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people: adults aged 60 to 85 who have age-related vision loss that isn't expected to get better, and adults aged 18 to 85 who are caregivers for someone with this type of vision loss. You'll need to be able to speak and understand English well, and be able to hear instructions clearly.

To join, you should be able to sit comfortably for about 30 minutes and be willing to attend online sessions using Microsoft Teams. You'll also need to be able to dedicate around 33 minutes each day to practice at home. The study is particularly interested in people who might be experiencing some feelings of low mood or anxiety, but not severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or current severe thoughts of harming oneself.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 60-85 (patient with vision loss) or 18-85 (carer)?
Can you speak and understand English without help?
Do you have some feelings of low mood or anxiety, but not severe mental health issues?
Can you use Microsoft Teams for online meetings?
Are you able to spare about 33 minutes daily for home practice?
Can you sit comfortably for about 30 minutes at a time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will first need to go through a screening process to make sure the study is right for you. This will likely involve some questions about your health and feelings. If you qualify, you'll be placed into one of two groups: either the meditation group or the health improvement group. Both groups will involve four initial training sessions, followed by at least six further sessions, all conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Each session will guide you through the program's activities. In addition to the online sessions, you'll be asked to practice what you've learned for about 33 minutes each day at home. There are no specific medications involved in this study. The total duration of your active participation will involve several weeks of sessions and home practice, and researchers will follow up with you to see how you're doing.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer benefits such as learning new ways to manage stress, improve your mood, or adopt healthier lifestyle habits. You'll also be contributing valuable information that could help others dealing with vision loss in the future. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as the time commitment required or mild discomfort if you're not used to new practices. It's important to remember that you are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Joseph's Hospital, Ivey Eye Institute
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What kind of vision loss is this study for?

This study is for people with age-related vision loss that cannot be reversed or improved.

Can only those with vision loss join?

No, caregivers of people with this type of vision loss are also welcome to join the study.

Do I need to be good with computers?

You'll need to be able to use Microsoft Teams for online sessions. Support might be available if you need a little help getting set up.

What happens if I don't like it?

You are free to leave the study at any point without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications.

How to find out more

Monali Malvankar, PhD

monali.malvankar@sjhc.london.on.ca 5196858500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.