Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Industry

The global ophthalmic clinical trials market size is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by the year 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% over the forecast period, according to a recent report by Grand View Research, Inc. This significant growth can be attributed to continuous technological advancements in the field and an increasing global demand for more effective and targeted treatments for various eye-related disorders. The market is being shaped by the active involvement of several key players, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), all of whom are contributing to the development and execution of ophthalmic clinical trials.

One of the primary drivers behind the market’s expansion is the rising prevalence of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy. These disorders are becoming more common, particularly among the aging population, which is growing rapidly worldwide. As a result, the demand for innovative and effective treatments for eye diseases continues to climb, prompting increased investment in clinical trials focused on ophthalmology. Moreover, ongoing progress in genetic research and the emergence of personalized medicine approaches are further accelerating innovation in this domain. These developments are paving the way for more tailored therapies that address specific patient needs, thus improving outcomes and treatment efficiency.

In addition, the market is expected to benefit from a heightened focus among ophthalmic researchers and industry stakeholders on developing and commercializing new and novel ocular therapies. This increasing R&D activity is especially notable in areas that have been historically underserved, such as rare and complex eye disorders. Efforts to address these unmet needs, particularly in developing countries where access to advanced treatment options may be limited, are also expected to play a significant role in market growth. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in October 2021 that approximately 2.2 billion people globally suffer from distance or near vision impairments. Significantly, at least 1 billion of these cases—around half—are preventable or treatable with appropriate interventions. This statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced clinical research and trial activity in the field of ophthalmology.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and multifaceted impact on the ophthalmology clinical trials market. Widespread disruptions led to the postponement or cancellation of many planned clinical trials, along with considerable delays in the enrollment of trial participants. Numerous trial sites were temporarily shut down in response to lockdown measures and public health concerns, resulting in reduced patient visits and a slowdown in data collection. However, the pandemic also served as a catalyst for transformation within the clinical trial landscape. The adoption of remote and virtual clinical trial technologies gained momentum as a practical solution to maintain research continuity during periods of restricted physical interaction. These innovations allowed many trials to proceed, despite the challenges presented by travel restrictions and social distancing protocols. By embracing digital platforms and remote monitoring tools, the industry has found new ways to overcome logistical barriers and ensure patient participation, marking a pivotal shift in how clinical trials—especially in ophthalmology—are conducted moving forward.

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Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Market Segments Highlights:

  • The drug segment accounted for the largest share of 75.5% in 2022. The segment dominated the market owing to the growing demand for innovative and efficient drug therapies for various eye ailments
  • The Glaucoma segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.3% during the analysis timeframe. The increase in collaboration and partnerships among the key players for developing novel glaucoma products spurs the segment’s growth
  • The clinical phase segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of 79.4%. Increasing investments in R&D by the government, as well as private entities for the conduct of clinical studies, drives the segment’s growth
  • The pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of 41.8%. The major sponsors of ophthalmology clinical trials are pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies since they have the resources and knowledge to create and commercialize novel treatments
  • Asia Pacific is anticipated to register a lucrative CAGR of 7.2% during the analysis period. This is primarily due to a huge patient pool willing to undergo clinical trials. Furthermore, the cost-effective nature of clinical trials across developing economies such as India has further attracted Western countries to conduct clinical research, thereby boosting the region’s growth in the ophthalmic clinical trials market

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Market Report Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global ophthalmic clinical trials market based on product, indication, phase, sponsor type, and region:

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Drugs
    • OTC Drugs
    • Prescription Drugs
  • Devices
    • Surgical & Diagnostics Devices
    • Vision care Devices

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Indication Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Macular Degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Dry Eye Disease
  • Retinopathy
  • Uveitis
  • Macular Edema
  • Blepharitis
  • Cataract
  • Optic Neuropathy
  • Others

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Phase Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Discovery Phase
  • Preclinical Phase
  • Clinical Phase

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Sponsor Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical Companies
  • Medical device companies
  • Others

Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)    

  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Denmark
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • India
    • China
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Thailand
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
    • UAE

Key Ophthalmic Clinical Trials Company Insights

  • Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
  • ICON Plc
  • IQVIA
  • Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
  • Vial
  • Medpace
  • ProTrials Research, Inc.
  • Syneos Health
  • Worldwide Clinical Trials, Inc.
  • ProRelix Services LLP

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