An opportunity is available to be involved in a PPI (Patient & Public Involvement) research group. The aim of this research is to help shape the diagnosis and referral of people with visual problems caused by brain or pituitary tumours.
Who is carrying out this study?
The study is called the DIPP study, which stands for Improving the Diagnostic accuracy of referrals for Papilloedema. This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research.
The DIPP study is being conducted by researchers at The University of Bristol. The co-leads for this study are Dr Denize Atan and Dr Alyson Huntley.
Dr Atan is Clinical Lead of the Neuro-ophthalmology service at Bristol Eye Hospital and Lead of the Eye and Brain group in Translational Health Sciences at University of Bristol Medical School.
Dr Huntley is a Senior Research Fellow in Evidence Synthesis and an expert in quantitative, qualitative and mixed method analysis at the University of Bristol.
Below, you can find more information about the study and what it would involve.
What does this study aim to do?
The DIPP study aims to speed up the diagnosis and referral of people with visual problems caused by brain tumours. You can find more information about this study on the DIPP Study website.
The DIPP study team has been working with a small group of public members (who use optician services) and patients with lived experience of brain or pituitary tumour to help design and communicate their research.
Who can apply?
The DIPP study team are now looking to expand this group and involve more people with lived experience of having a pituitary tumour to help design and communicate their research.
As they are looking to expand this research group, they are particularly interested in hearing from males or people who are less often invited to be part of research, for example, from minoritised ethnic groups.
What will being a research group member involve?
Being a research group member will involve meeting with the group on Tuesday 10th March at 3-5pm
In the meeting they would like your help on two topics:
1. The design of the next stage of the DIPP study that they are applying for funding for (they will give a summary of the study so far)
2. The guidance they are preparing for the public about where to seek help if they have headache and/or vision symptoms – based on the results of the DIPP study
There will be a short break between these topics. You can either join this meeting online or in person at the University of Bristol.
If the DIPP study’s funding application is successful, you will also likely have to:
- attend at least quarterly meetings
- respond to regular emails and requests for feedback on lay summaries, study design, etc.
You will be given vouchers in thanks for your time.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to join this study or would like further information, please contact Olivia: [email protected] 0117 455 8823
Closing date for recruitment
9th March 2026
