Rarity
The condition should be rare enough to need national case collection in order to generate enough cases for study. As a guide, this usually means an estimate of fewer than 350 cases in the UK per year.
How the application process works
BOSU welcomes proposals from anyone with a research interest in rare eye conditions and other ophthalmic issues suitable for epidemiological surveillance. If you are considering a study, it can be helpful to contact BOSU for an informal discussion before you apply.
BOSU uses a two-phase application process. It starts with a short outline proposal and, if accepted, progresses to a full study protocol for review.
Phase 1 application
The first step is to submit a Phase 1 application form [link]. This is a short outline proposal of approximately two sides of A4. It should:
- summarise the aims and objectives of your study
- explain why the study is suitable for BOSU
- demonstrate the potential value of the proposed research.
BOSU reviews Phase 1 applications positively. If your proposal is at first suitable, the team will work with you to strengthen it and improve its fit with surveillance methodology.
What makes a good topic for BOSU surveillance?
The protocol should be approximately 1,200 words and guidance notes are included in the phase 1 form. Contact BOSU for an informal discussion.
Clear case definition
The condition or complication must be clearly defined and able to be consistently understood and identified by reporting ophthalmologists in a clinical setting.
Impact
Proposals should show clear public health or scientific importance with the potential to influence patient care, service provision or future research.