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New Assistive Technologies for People with Vision Impairments

If you like to follow the latest developments and learn about new assistive technology devices for people with vision impairments, CNN has provided an overview of new devices on it's web publication. The following navigation tools for people with vision impairments were featured on CNN on October 5, 2020. For the complete list (which includesRead More »New Assistive Technologies for People with Vision Impairments
Sam Seavey of The Blind Life

The Blind Life YouTube Channel Covers Low Vision Tips and Tools

  There is an ever-increasing amount of low-vision information online in 2020.  From websites to podcasts to YouTube channels, you can find individual stories of vision loss and adaptation, the latest research studies, and reviews of brand-new assistive technology devices.  But one program stands out for it’s engaging, informative, and in-depth tips for living withRead More »The Blind Life YouTube Channel Covers Low Vision Tips and Tools
Learning from home

Ensight’s Online Low Vision Education Series Provides Helpful Tips

Living with low vision means making many adaptations and learning new ways to do old things.  If you want to keep learning about new technologies, techniques, and the latest news about eye disorders, you may want to attend Ensight's online presentations.  You can now watch Ensight Low Vision Education Series from the comfort of yourRead More »Ensight’s Online Low Vision Education Series Provides Helpful Tips
Smart phone apps for podcasts for visual impairment

Podcasts for People with Vision Impairments

Podcasts can be a wonderful way to get news and information in audio formats on your phone and on demand.  There are numerous podcasts created specifically for people with vision impairments, and this blog covers a few.   Subjects include Colorado news, stories about living with a vision impairment, and accessibility technology. Audio Information Network TheRead More »Podcasts for People with Vision Impairments

Exercise May Slow or Prevent Macular Degeneration

From newsroom.uvahealth.com Exercise can slow or prevent the development of macular degeneration and may benefit other common causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, new research suggests. The new study from the University of Virginia School of Medicine found that exercise reduced the harmful overgrowth of blood vessels in the eyes ofRead More »Exercise May Slow or Prevent Macular Degeneration
people gathered in a support group

Low vision safety during COVID19

Ensight Skills and Curtis Strong Center are open for appointments!  We are following CDC guidelines:  masks are required, and we are cleaning thoroughly between client visits.  Doors are closed to walk ins.  Our low vision occupational therapists are also making home visits for those who need and want them. Our low vision support group isRead More »Low vision safety during COVID19
actor Laurie Calvert and Director Morse conversing

Director Adam Morse releases new movie, reveals he’s blind

Adam Morse always wanted to make films. The 28-year-old from Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom, began to lose his eyesight in 2009, and he told The Guardian that at that time his confidence, mobility, and social interactions were all profoundly affected. He was diagnosed with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. But heRead More »Director Adam Morse releases new movie, reveals he’s blind
Optometrist doing low vision assessment

FFB Funding More than $2 Million in New Research Including Several Studies on Retinal Diseases

By Ben Shaberman on August 6, 2018 Reprinted with permission of the FFB The Foundation Fighting Blindness has announced funding for seven new research projects to advance the development of treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. Each project will receive a total of $300,000 over a three-year period. The grants were selected through FFB’s annual callRead More »FFB Funding More than $2 Million in New Research Including Several Studies on Retinal Diseases

Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute Hosted Workshop for ProgStar, Largest Natural History Study for Stargardt Disease Ever Launched

Reprinted with permission of FFB The primary goal of the landmark study, funded by the Foundation, is to provide companies and researchers with disease-progression data and potential clinical trial endpoints to drive therapy development Columbia, MD – More than 60 leading retinal disease clinical researchers from around the world gathered in Baltimore on June 11, 2018Read More »Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute Hosted Workshop for ProgStar, Largest Natural History Study for Stargardt Disease Ever Launched
picture of visual field obscured at periphery

NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk

Results inform strategies aimed at preventing vision loss From the National Eye Institute Researchers funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) have identified 133 genetic variants that predict with 75-percent accuracy a person’s risk for developing glaucoma related to elevated pressure within the eye. Future genetic tests could identify high-risk individuals who would benefit fromRead More »NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk

My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments

Excerpted from "Insight for Bodyworkers: Connecting with Blind and Visually Impaired Clients" By Mary Kathleen Rose Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Massage and Bodywork magazine Conditions of the eyes range from common eyestrain, myopia (nearsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) to diseases that threaten significant loss of vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinopathy.  WhileRead More »My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments
what it looks like when you have macular degeneration

Immune cells in the retina can spontaneously regenerate

From nei.nih.org 5/13/18 Immune cells called microglia can completely repopulate themselves in the retina after being nearly eliminated, according to a new study in mice from scientists at the National Eye Institute (NEI). The cells also re-establish their normal organization and function. The findings point to potential therapies for controlling inflammation and slowing progression ofRead More »Immune cells in the retina can spontaneously regenerate

Studies Show Mediterranean Diet May Lower Advanced AMD Risk

ARVO 2018: Mediterranean Diet May Lower Advanced AMD Risk Reprinted with the permission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. By Ben Shaberman on May 1, 2018 Several research studies have suggested that the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) – which is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and fish – may be good for your health, including lowering your risk ofRead More »Studies Show Mediterranean Diet May Lower Advanced AMD Risk
Four people at a table with coffee and ipads

Vision Loss and Career Concerns

People who have vision impairments have unique career challenges:  In a 2014 article for Massachusett’s radio station WBUR’s opinion page, Dave Powers wrote that “A staggering 75% of individuals who are blind or have low vision are currently unemployed despite being capable, motivated, and having access to adaptive technology that allows them to perform manyRead More »Vision Loss and Career Concerns
words "clinical trial medical"

Ophthotech Launching Human Study of Emerging Therapy for Stargardt Disease

  Reprinted with permission from the Foundation Fighting Blindness Blog Ophthotech, a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for eye diseases, has enrolled the first patient in its Phase 2b clinical trial of Zimura® for people with Stargardt disease caused by mutations in the gene ABCA4. The 120-participant study will be taking place at more than 30 sites. Data andRead More »Ophthotech Launching Human Study of Emerging Therapy for Stargardt Disease

Two Blind Brothers Support Research to End Blindness

Bradford and Bryan Manning were diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease in childhood.  The disorder caused gradual loss of their central vision, and it also gave them a mission:  To raise awareness and help others with eye diseases. They decided to develop a clothing company and donate the earnings to support research to end blindness.  Now calledRead More »Two Blind Brothers Support Research to End Blindness