Information for Sponsors

Bergstrom Eye Research is located in Fargo, ND and serves the entire Fargo/Moorhead region.  

Bergstrom Eye Research is devoted to the efficient management of Phase II, III, and IV clinical trials. Our mission is to adhere to a teamwork model that fosters creativity and provides the highest level of ethical standards and quality results to patients and customers in a timely and efficient manner. We work in conjunction with Bergstrom Eye & Laser Clinic to provide opportunity to our customers and community in working to improve the quality of life. Bergstrom Eye Research provides quality care as one of the few devoted ophthalmology research sites in the Midwest. Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced staff with a history of managing diversified optical conditions and disease states.

What makes Fargo a great place for research?

Fargo is in the top 5 fastest growing small cities in the US

Combined population of 250,000+

3 major colleges with 25,000+ students

Located within 2-5 miles from 2 different local hospitals/emergency departments

Bergstrom Eye Research was founded in May of 2013 by Dr. Bergstrom. Within 3 months, our first trial was open and enrolling with 2 additional trials following shortly. These first trials were a major success for us and we finished as the top enroller for one. We are dedicated to advance the growth of our company.

Our community has a very positive outlook and a strong interest in participating in clinical research studies. They show dedication to completing all study visits, as well as, compliance for IP administration and other protocol guidelines/restrictions. At Bergstrom Eye Research, we cultivate that dedication and build strong relationships with each of our patients. We have numerous patients willing to drive 100+ miles for visits as required per protocols and our patient retention rate is approximately 99%.

Our Process

Along with Dr. Bergstrom as our principal investigator, Bergstrom Eye Research has an experienced Doctor of Optometry serving as our sub-investigator; Tracie Malsom, OD joined our team in 2015. She is an integral member of our team and completes many of our study visit activities including, but not limited to, bio microscopy, gonioscopy, ophthalmoscope, and inclusion/exclusion determination.

Once selected, our team will begin working with you to complete startup activities, regulatory documents, and source document creation, if required. They will be your main point of contact from startup through study closeout. Since they are involved from beginning to end, they are well versed on each study throughout the life of the study. Generally, they work as a team during study conduct, which allows them to provide genuine backup for any study need that arises. We also have the ability to add additional staff to complete study specific tasks, as necessary.  

We pride ourselves at being able to turn around startup documents, including budgets and regulatory in 1-2 weeks.  We also offer a great deal of flexibility in our ability to accommodate PSSV, SIVs, and Monitoring Visits.

Surgical Center Available

When required, Dr. Bergstrom will perform cataract surgeries, SLT/Glaucoma procedures, and other surgical procedures at the Northern Plains Surgery Center.  The surgery center is located at 2829 S. University Drive #103, Fargo, ND.

Rescue Site

  • Our site has been selected for numerous studies as a rescue site. 

Therapeutic Areas

  • Glaucoma

  • Dry Eye

  • Age Related Macular Degeneration

  • Sjogren’s Syndrome

  • Cataract

  • Anterior Uveitis

  • Posterior Uveitis

  • Blepharitis

  • Contact Lenses

  • Macular Edema

  • Childhood Myopia

  • Retinitis Pigmentosa

  • Drug Delivery Systems

  • Device

  • Surgical

Our Clinic

  • 8 Eye Examination Lanes

  • OCT

  • Fundus Photography

  • Fundus Angiogram

  • Specular Microscopy

  • Visual Field

  • Locked Ambient Remperature Controlled IP Storage

  • Locked Refrigerated IP Storage

  • Digital Weight Scale

  • Stadiometer

  • Welch Allen Sphygmomanometer

  • Easy Access to Dry Ice

  • Dedicated Monitor Room with WiFi & Copy/Printer Access

  • Emmes Certified BCVA Lane and Examiners

  • Clinical Edge Certified BCVA Lane and Examiners

  • Ambient Centrifuge

  • -20°C / -80°C Freezers

Meet the Research Team

Our dedicated research team combines clinical expertise with a patient-first approach, ensuring each study is conducted with precision, care, and integrity.

Dr. Lance Bergstrom, MN FACS
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Bergstrom is a Fargo, ND native.  Dr. Bergstrom is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, at the UND School of Medicine and Fellow of the America College of Surgeons.

He started Bergstrom Eye Research as a Principal Investigator in 2013 and has worked on multiple ophthalmology trials due to his experience and expertise.

Dr. Tracie Malsom, OD
Doctor of Optometry

Tracie Teig Malsom, O.D. was born and raised in Marshall, MN. She attended Minnesota State University – Moorhead and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Spanish. She went on to study for her doctorate at the Indiana University School of Optometry.

Dr. Malsom has served as an Investigator for Bergstrom Eye Research since joining our team in 2015.

Dr. Emily Heinrich, OD
Doctor of Optometry

Dr. Emily Heinrich is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry and is excited to return to her hometown of Fargo, ND to serve the Fargo-Moorhead community.

Angie Callaghan, COA
Clinical Research Coordinator, COA

Angie has been an assistant in Ophthalmology since 2003.  In 2017, she began focusing primarily on coordinating and managing eye related clinical trials and joined Bergstrom Eye Research in March of 2020.  While she spent her elementary and teen years as a Moorhead Spud, she currently resides in North Fargo with her husband and son.  Angie loves laughter, finding the humor in almost any scenario and listening to most types of music especially while soaking up the sunshine of summer days. She is currently working to develop interest in cold weather activities to make the long winters more bearable.

Brenda Westrick
Clinical Research Coordinator

Brenda was born and raised in Fargo, ND and brings over 20 years of experience in Clinical Medical Research to our team! She shares a deep commitment to patient care and thoroughly enjoys meeting new people and learning about each and every person she is fortunate to encounter. Spending time with her children and their friends, laughing with her friends and making sure she escapes the cold each winter for a warmer climate are a few of Brenda’s favorite things.

Kristin Follman
Director Marketing and Recruiting

Kristin is originally from Willmar, Minnesota.  She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and graduated in 1993 with a degree in Communications, French and English.  She has gone to Haiti since 2017 with Dr. Bergstrom’s Haiti Eye Mission team and has become very passionate about the mission of preventing blindness. She is an active member of the Horace, ND community where she and her husband raised their son and still reside.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxing at the lake.

Why Bergstrom Eye Research Center?

With decades of experience in eye care and a reputation for clinical excellence, Bergstrom Eye Research Center is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality research while prioritizing patient experience.

Connected to an established eye clinic

Strong referral network

Experienced providers and staff

Commitment to innovation and patient care

Let’s Advance What’s Next in Eye Care

Partner with Bergstrom Eye Research Center for reliable execution, experienced investigators, and a commitment to high-quality clinical outcomes.