May Newsletter 289
Coronavirus: Being blind during the pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has caused daily difficulties for everyone. But what if you are visually impaired? Blind journalist Kate Pounds explores the particular challenges the virus has thrown up.
Seeing the way forward for eye care in the UK
Debbie McGill, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, explains what we need to know about accessing eye care and the leading causes of sight loss in the UK
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/seeing-the-way-forward-for-eye-care-in-the-uk/86836/
Technology Predicts Risk of Progression of Macular Degeneration
Scientists at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai(NYEE) have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that can precisely, quickly identify age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a principal cause of vision loss in the United States.
New Online library launched for people with sight loss
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched a new online library offering people with sight loss instant access to thousands of free books in formats they can read.
https://www.derryjournal.com/health/new-online-library-launched-people-sight-loss-2844146
https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/industry/charity/2020/05/07/rnib-relaunches-accessible-library-platform
Social distancing with sight loss
Social distancing is a tall order for 17-year-old Maeve Doyle. When she’s out for a walk with her dad, John, and their German shepherd, Ború, the Lucan teen can’t tell if she’s six feet away from people.
Maeve has Stargardt disease – inherited retinal degeneration that causes progressive vision loss due to damage to the central region of the retina. The condition runs in her family and her 21-year-old brother, Seán, has it too.
New smartphones are helping veterans through lockdown
Veterans with sight loss are keeping connected during lockdown thanks to “godsend” devices featuring specialist vision impairment software. Tech-savvy National Service veteran, David Weir (86) of Bathgate, has been using his Synapptic smartphone and tablet to keep in touch with family and friends, sort out groceries and find entertainment while staying at home.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/new-smartphones-helping-veterans-through-21953485
New test detects glaucoma progression earlier
A new test can detect glaucoma progression 18 months earlier than the current gold standard method, according to results from a new clinical trial.
https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/new-test-detects-glaucoma-progression-earlier-334398