New specialty research site launched

Atlanta-Vision Research Center (VRC), an online research site where experts in the ophthalmic community and patients can share their experiences and opinions concerning technology and therapies, has launched, according to a prepared statement.

"The use of online capabilities to gather data on a real-time basis from vision-care experts, patients, and caregivers in a secure, private setting opens exciting new ways to identify and understand the real issues surrounding new vision-care products and services," said Kate Maguire, president and founder of Motivation Mechanics, an independent opinion polling and marketing research services company of which Vision Research Center, Inc. now is a division. Maguire announced the formation of the new company at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

The site was created to focus on gathering information on "physician and patient perceptions of vision-related diseases, including their diagnosis and treatment," said Christine A. Coleman, director of VRC. It also offers "a platform for experts to share opinions about new technologies and therapies in an online community setting and to help accelerate the diffusion of new ideas into patient care," she said.