In designing the study questions, the Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) consulted a panel of Key Informants who represent subject experts and end-users of research. Key Informant input can inform key issues related to the topic of the technical brief. Key Informants are not involved in the analysis of the evidence or the writing of the report. Therefore, in the end, study questions, design, methodological approaches, and/or conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of individual Key Informants.

Key Informants must disclose any financial conflicts of interest greater than $10,000 and any other relevant business or professional conflicts of interest. Because of their role as end-users, individuals with potential conflicts may be retained. The Task Order Officer and the EPC work to balance, manage, or mitigate any conflicts of interest.

The list of Key Informants who provided input to this report follows:

Key Informants

• Ava K. Bittner, O.D., Ph.D., FAAO (Dipl.)^*
  Associate Professor
  Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Denice Brown, M.Ed.
  President, Greater Philadelphia Chapter
  National Federation of the Blind
  National Trustee
  Foundation Fighting Blindness
  Philadelphia, PA
• Duane R. Geruschat, Ph.D.^*
  Research Associate, Department of Ophthalmology
  Specialist in low vision and blindness rehabilitation research
  Wilmer Eye Institute
  Johns Hopkins University
  Baltimore, MD
• Robert J. Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
  Chairman
  Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
  Sylmar, CA
• Denise Hampton, Ph.D.^*
  Chief, Contact Lenses and Retinal Devices Branch
  Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices
  Office of Device Evaluation
  Center for Devices and Radiological Health
  U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  Silver Spring, MD
• Anil Lewis, M.P.A.
  Executive Director
  Jernigan Institute
  National Federation of the Blind
  Baltimore, MD
• Aleksandra Rachitskaya, M.D.^*
  Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
  Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
  Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic
  Cleveland, OH
• Sherie Smalley, M.D.^*
  Senior Medical Director, Medical Policy
  UPMC Health Plan
  Pittsburgh, PA

Footnotes

*

This Key Informant (KI) also provided comments on the draft report.