February Newsletter No. 333
Yoga for eyes
5 simple eye yoga exercises that can be performed on a daily basis. Further details here:
Susie Dent trains as a My Sighted Guide
Susie will join 1,000 other volunteers who take blind partners out to parks, shops, restaurants and concerts. Nearly half those with sight loss report feeling isolated and cut off from the world – and there is a waiting list of more than 750 people wanting a trained partner like Susie. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/countdown-star-susie-dents-moving-29075650
For more information about applying to be a My Sighted Guide see this link: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/volunteer-role-descriptions/sighted-guide/?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&awc=2913_1675094981_c4c65cc4b15baa892dd30767e6343b20
Blind and partially sighted people join forces to influence positive change
BLIND and partially sighted people are coming together in regions across England to work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services. They are also looking for other blind and partially sighted people to join them. For more information on how to join see the information in this link: https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/blind-and-partially-sighted-people-join-forces-to-influence-positive-change/
The Power of Touch: Visually impaired artist Clarke Reynolds exhibits Braille works in London
The Quantus Gallery in London is hosting the first solo exhibition of acclaimed visually impaired artist Clarke Reynolds, who aims to break down barriers and inspire a new generation with his colourful braille artworks.
Your eyes are what you eat – food to support eye health
Food to help includes dark leafy greens and red and orange fruits and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins A, C, and E that help the body fight cellular damage. Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, nuts, and seeds assist the body’s fight against inflammation. These fatty acids can also help reduce cholesterol levels linked with AMD. Zinc and copper. These minerals found in legumes, leafy greens, and eggs help regulate cellular function and absorb antioxidants.
https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/your-eyes-are-what-you-eat-food-support-eye-health
Visually-impaired Nottingham law student praises book scheme
A visually-impaired law student has said he used books from a sight loss charity to help him achieve top exam grades and a place at university. Charlie Beeston, 19, from Lincoln, has had optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus and ocular albinism from birth. During his studies, he made extensive use of the Bookshare service operated by sight loss charity, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). He is now studying law at the University of Nottingham.
The service provides books, worksheets and resources free of charge to teachers, pupils and students, which can be downloaded in accessible formats including electronic braille, PDF and audio. Mr Beeston, who is in his second year at the university, said: “It basically provides alternative formats of loads of books and when I was at school, it was very important to me.
“I could sit and learn alongside other students, rather than going elsewhere to have something read to me.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-64374224
3 types of glasses using artificial intelligence (AI) change how visually impaired people experience the world
As technology advances, the potential for assistive devices to improve the lives of those with visual impairments is becoming a reality. Three brands of glasses revolutionising the way visually impaired people experience the world are examined.
Support for visually impaired people in Scotland
COMING to terms with sight loss can be daunting for anyone – but it can also mean dramatic life changes for their family and friends. So when research by Sight Scotland revealed the demand for wider practical and emotional help, the charity set up a wellbeing team and helpline. The new service was launched at the start of 2021 and since then 1,500 people have accessed support. 70 per cent of calls are from individuals with sight impairment, with 30 per cent of enquiries coming from family or carers looking for help and information.
Further information here: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/special-features/losing-your-sight-charity-your-29000311
Estée Lauder’s new app helps visually impaired users apply makeup
Estée Lauder’s new app helps visually impaired users apply makeup: The first-of-its-kind Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant uses AR and AI to analyse the makeup on a user’s face and suggests audio feedback on which areas need to be touched up or blended. For people with visual impairments, applying makeup can be challenging — often relying on touch or other people for help. Now, Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has launched an app to try to make that process easier.
The first iteration of the app is available in the UK via the Apple App Store and on esteelauder.co.uk, with plans to roll it out to the Google Play store and other markets such as North America in the first half of 2023.