Shahroud Eye Cohort Study (ShECS) is carried out to identify the causes of eye diseases and visual impairments. Despite widespread knowledge of ophthalmology in the world, causes of many eye diseases are not accurately known yet, led the prevention of this diseases become limited.

Longitudinal studies known as Cohort studies are the main tools to distinguish causes of diseases. People examination and follow up of them for years are the fundamental basis of cohort studies. ShECS is one of the examples of such projects in the world.

In a population of about 28000 people aged 40 to 64 in Shahroud city, north of Iran, 6,311 people selected randomly in 2009. These people admitted for special eye examination after completion of primary data collection form by health volunteers.

On examination day, after explanation about the project and obtaining informed consent, a thorough examination including blood pressure measurement, blood samples for tests, optometry examinations includes visual acuity, perimetry, color vision test, ophthalmologic examinations, including intraocular pressure measurement, lens and retina examination and other diagnostic tests and imaging were performed.

This examination last about 4 hours for every people and the results recorded on the data collection forms. Summary of results of examinations is posted to participant’s addresses.

In the first phase of this project, 82.2% of those invited participate in examinations and eye problems of 5190 people were identified. These people in the coming years and the next phases of the project (5 year intervals) will be invited for next eye examinations.

The 2nd phase of study was done on 2014 with participation of 4737 (response rate, 91.3%) people. The 3rd phase is now running in 2019.