APRIL NEWSLETTER No. 347
Young children are facing an epidemic of vision loss
Too much time spent indoors and an addiction to technology has meant more and more children are nearsighted today, experts say.
Elon Musk: Neuralink's Next Implant Will Focus on Curing Blindness
Neuralink’s first brain implant is still in clinical human trials. But the company is already working on a second implant that promises to cure blindness, according to Neuralink owner Elon Musk.
Sight loss support delays in London 'unacceptable' says RNIB
People with visual impairments in London are facing “unacceptably long waiting times” for assessments, a charity has said. The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) reported that eight councils in the capital have waiting lists of over a year.
Gut bacteria could play a role in eye disease, China-UK study finds
Scientists focused on a gene known to cause inherited retinal degenerations and found link to the gut. The eye disease – which can cause vision loss and blindness – could potentially be treated with antibiotics.
Lancaster engineers enable people with sight loss to “touch and see” 3D artworks
People with sight loss have welcomed a project enabling them to appreciate paintings at Lancaster Museum using touch. The School of Engineering at Lancaster University, Lancaster City Museums and Galloway’s Society for the Blind have worked together on the Touch & See project, which aims to improve accessibility for a range of users.
Hark Reader
Turns printed text into speech immediately. The Hark Reader turns printed text into speech fast and accurately with the latest selection of natural human sounding voices. Ready to use out the box, simply place a document on the surface of Hark reader and it will instantly start reading! No buttons to press, no fuss, just sit back and enjoy reading.
To learn more about Hark Reader or to book a virtual demo or in-person demonstration, contact our sales team:
01933 415800
www.humanware.com
The price for the Hark Reader is £1595 plus £20 delivery.
More awareness needed about the effects of smoking on eye health, says Moorfields Eye Hospital
Moorfields is highlighting that the public’s awareness of the effects of smoking on sight and eye health are little known. Luke Nicholson, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “In my role, I have seen the negative impact that smoking has on patients. Quitting smoking brings clear benefits to our health, but also protects our retina from developing some irreversible diseases and safeguards our vision.”
How to prevent macula degeneration
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a form of vision loss that affects your ability to see things in the centre of your vision. Some people a higher risk of developing AMD. This includes those with a family history of the condition, people who have obesity, and people who smoke. While there’s no way to reverse or completely stop macular degeneration, there are ways to prevent or slow its progression.
Full details: https://www.health.com/macular-degeneration-prevention-8580455