SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 325
Oxford University Press and RNIB expand access to academic content for learners with print disabilities
The world’s largest university press, Oxford University Press (OUP), has today announced a new agreement with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)—one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people. As part of the agreement, OUP’s Academic frontlist collection is now available on RNIB Bookshare, a service run by RNIB that instantly provides a wide variety of accessible and adaptive file types for learners with a print disability. OUP’s backlist collection will be uploaded to the platform, which has over 900,000 books, at a later date.
The agreement will be transformative for the approximately 33,000 learners with a print disability currently supported by RNIB Bookshare, including those with dyslexia or who are blind or partially sighted. By integrating OUP’s Academic content through reading devices or applications—including DAISY, Dolphin, and ePub—users of RNIB Bookshare will have access to more academic materials, contributing to a more inclusive educational environment. The new service is currently available for UK users, with plans for further regions to be included in the near future.
The vitamin deficiency that's the leading cause of preventable blindness
Vitamin A deficiency is the “leading cause of preventable blindness” in children worldwide, warns the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Blind veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country but knows there are tens of thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss. Their campaign is to find and recruit these men and women.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/support
New research offers hope for diabetes patients with sight loss
A new laser treatment for patients with sight loss as a result of diabetes has been shown to be cost-effective and non-invasive, according to research following a clinical trial.
There are currently several treatment options offered to people with Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO), including two types of laser treatment and eye injections.
https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/science/ophthalmology-b1020234.html
Cornea implant made from pig skin can restore eyesight to blind, study suggests
Researchers have developed an implant made from pig’s skin which resembles the human cornea and can restore sight to the blind and visually impaired, according to a study.
In a pilot study, the implant – made from collagen protein from the animal – restored vision to 20 people with diseased corneas, most of whom were blind prior to receiving the implant.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/experts-transplant-sweden-india-iran-b2143220.html
South Western Railway tests audio guides for people with vision difficulties
South Western Railway (SWR) has fitted out two London railway stations with a technology that could make it easier for people with sight loss to find their way around the station to the platform. Two stations, Putney and Vauxhall have been fitted with small Bluetooth beacons around the stations, and when coupled with a smartphone app, they can provide audio instructions that guide users from the entrance to the Assisted Boarding Points on platforms.
Oranges found to lower risk of macular degeneration by 60%
A study has shown that people who regularly eat oranges are less likely to develop macular degeneration than people who do not eat oranges.
RNIB Talking Books 'skill' app praised by users
RNIB has worked with Amazon to develop and launch a RNIB Talking Books ‘skill’, equivalent to an app. Users simply download this to access any of the 37,500 titles in RNIB’s audio-library and have it read to them by simply saying “Alexa, open RNIB Talking Books,” and then choosing a title.
https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/20611438.rnib-launch-talking-books-skill-app-praised-users/
A guide to protecting eye health and longevity as you age
A range of suggested tips for eye health.
Full details here: https://longevitylive.com/anti-aging/ways-to-protect-eye-health-and-vision-longevity-as-you-age/
Money, benefits and finance
If you’re blind or partially sighted, there are many helpful benefits and support available to make life easier. Full details can be found in the link below.