In Research, Diversity Matters

Misleading assumptions reduce Black and Hispanic or Latino representation in clinical trials.

By: Jeremiah Brown, MD, FASRS, Stephen Huddleston, MD, Kapil G. Kapoor, MD, FACS, FICS, FASRS

Retinal Physician July 11, 2025 Vol 22, Issue July/August 2025 Page(s): 10-12

5 Key Takeaways

1

Diverse representation in clinical trials enhances understanding of treatment responses and reduces health disparities.
2

Black and Hispanic populations are often underrepresented in clinical trials despite higher prevalence of certain eye disorders.
3

Mistrust in healthcare, rooted in historical mistreatment, significantly contributes to the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities.
4

Community engagement and trust-building with local leaders can improve clinical trial enrollment among underserved populations.
5

Understanding and addressing barriers to participation can enhance diversity in clinical trial recruitment efforts.

Jeremiah Brown

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Jeremiah Brown, MD, FASRS, is a retina-focused ophthalmology author whose work in Retinal Physician addresses clinical research participation and health equity in eye care. He has written about the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic or Latino populations in ophthalmology clinical trials and the importance of enrolling study participants who reflect the populations affected by retinal and other eye diseases.

Contributions:

https://retinalphysician.com/issues/2024/october/first-top-line-data-from-elevatum-on-faricimab-treatment-in-underrepresented-minority-populations

https://retinalphysician.com/issues/2025/julyaugust/in-research-diversity-matters/

Stephen Huddleston, MD

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Stephen Huddleston, MD, is an ophthalmology author who has written for Retinal Physician on diversity in clinical research. His work in the provided source article addresses underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic or Latino populations in ophthalmology clinical trials and the importance of representative enrollment in studies evaluating eye disease treatments.

Kapil G. Kapoor

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Kapil G. Kapoor, MD, FACS, FICS, FASRS, contributes to Retinal Physician on topics in ophthalmology research, including diversity in clinical trials and representation of Black and Hispanic or Latino participants in studies of eye disorders such as glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion.

PentaVision

Retinal Physician

In Research, Diversity Matters

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