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Robotic White Cane for the Blind

Picture Of Man Using Robotic White CaneThe creation of a new robotic white cane for the blind community was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The white cane features a color 3D camera and an inertial measurement sensor to help the visually impaired navigate safely indoors.

“Many people in the visually impaired community consider the white cane to be their best and most functional navigational tool, despite it being century-old technology,” said Cang Ye, Ph.D., lead author of the study and professor of computer science at the College of Engineering at the Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. “For sighted people, technologies like GPS-based applications have revolutionized navigation. We’re interested in creating a device that closes many of the gaps in functionality for white cane users.”

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

“NIH-funded modern “white cane” brings navigation assistance to the 21st century”




Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

New App Spots Glaucoma Early Signs

Picture Of Woman Using Glaucoma App On IpadGlaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and even blindness if the condition goes untreated. The eye disease affects 3 million Americans. It's essential to catch the signs of glaucoma early on. Doctors recommend getting an annual eye exam with an ophthalmologist if you are over the age of 40 or have a family history of glaucoma. Now there is a new app that can help patients spot the early signs of glaucoma.

"By the time a glaucoma patient sees a physician, almost 50 to 75 percent of them have moderate to severe visual field loss which they're not aware of," said Dr. Meghal Gagrani, a glaucoma fellow at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

"Glaucoma App: How to spot the early signs"




Posted in Eye Disease - Glaucoma | View Post

Blind Consultant Working On See

Picture Of Jason Momoa On SeeApple TV Plus' show "See" brings the world of blindness to life for viewers. What's more, there is a blind consultant working on "See" to help steer producers in the right direction regarding the authenticity of the Blind world. Joe Strechay teaches the actors about what it's like being blind and teaches them the mannerisms of people living with blindness. "See," starring Jason Momoa, is now in its second season.

"[We're trying to] bring it [the world of blindness] and create it and make it practical, and make sure that what we do is in that world of blindness," said Strechay. "[Not] the world of blindness as we know it—a world of blindness where generations and generations of people have been blind and those social and cultural norms of eye contact disappear, [and] how we signal and communicate how we move is in that world."

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

"How Joe Strechay Helps Brings The World Of Blindness To Life In 'See'"




Posted in Arts and Culture, TV, Movies | View Post

US Blind Athlete Won Gold

Picture Of Paralympic Swimmer Anastasia Pagonis With Gold MedalAnastasia Pagonis began losing her vision at age 12 due to genetic retina disease and autoimmune retinopathy. Her doctor suggested that she might try swimming because she could no longer play soccer. Last week, the US blind athlete won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in the 400m freestyle swim. On top of being a world-record-setting athlete, Pagonis uses social media to educate people about adaptive sports and the visually impaired community. Pagonis has one event left in the Paralympics, the 100m free on Friday, Sept. 3.

"I don't have to be the stereotype of blindness. … I can do my own makeup. I can be an influencer. I can be a professional athlete," she told The Washington Post. And Pagonis says she will continue "showing other people with disabilities, or people who are just different, that they can do it."

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

"Anastasia Pagonis, 17, breaks own world record, wins US' first gold medal of Tokyo Paralympics"




Posted in Blind Athlete | View Post

New Eye Test Can Predict a Condition that Causes Blindness

Picture Of A Woman EyesArtificial intelligence has been revolutionizing the field of medicine in the last decade. Now, AI is being used for an eye test that can predict a condition that can lead to blindness. The retinal imaging device is called Detection of Apoptosis in Retinal Cells (DARC). A new study showed that DARC could identify areas of the eye showing signs of geographic atrophy. GA is a common condition that can cause reduced vision and blindness. Professor Francesca Cordeiro, Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at Imperial College London, said: ​​

“Geographic atrophy is one of the leading causes of reduced vision, and in some cases blindness, in the developed world. It can significantly impact patients’ quality of life as tasks such as reading, driving and even recognizing familiar faces become more difficult as the disease advances. As life expectancy in developed countries continues to increase, the incidence of GA has grown. Early detection is a key defence against this disease but as symptoms develop over several years, the condition is often picked up once the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage.”

“Our study is the first to show that DARC technology can be used to predict whether a patient is at risk of developing GA. These findings will help clinicians intervene with treatments to slow down vision loss and manage the condition at an early stage. We also hope that this technology can be rolled out onto high street opticians and used as a screening test in primary care settings.”

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

“AI-supported test can predict eye disease that leads to blindness”




Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Music Videos for Visually Impaired People

Picture Of Rapper Stoneface And William Cooper And Trophy SniperAudio descriptions help blind and visually impaired people to experience the joy of Hollywood films. Visually impaired people can enjoy audio descriptions describing what is on the screen on major video-streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Interestingly, the same could not be said about music videos until now. Rappers Stoneface and William Cooper have a new single called “Silent Killa;” what’s more, the accompanying music video will include audio descriptions. It’s a significant accomplishment for Stoneface because he is blind. He lost his vision from sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Hopefully, more artists will start making music videos for visually impaired people.

“For my entire career, I literally never knew what was actually happening in my music videos, or any music video,” said Stoneface. “It was no different than simply listening to the song’s audio while everyone else enjoyed what was being presented on the screen. You have absolutely no idea what this means to me. I have finally enjoyed a music video — 100 percent blind man has watched and enjoyed a music video, just listen to how that sounds. Truly amazing.”

Please contact SDCB if you would like to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

“HIP HOP JUST GOT ITS FIRST-EVER AUDIO MUSIC VIDEO FOR 2.2B VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE”



Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Blind and Visually Impaired Hike

Picture Of The Colorado Rocky MountainsTomorrow, a group of blind and visually impaired people will achieve a remarkable feat. The Audio Information Network of Colorado (AINC) will lead the team of 10 to summit a 12,456-foot peak at Keystone in Arapahoe Basin. The blind and visually impaired hike will be done in partnership with No Barriers USA. The free event helps AINC reach its mission, “to empower individuals to be self-sufficient, connected to the community, and continuously learning.”

The inspiration for the Keystone hike is this year’s marking of the 20th anniversary of Erik Weihenmayer’s summit of Mt. Everest. Weihenmayer was the first blind person ever to reach the top of Everest.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

“FIRST ANNUAL “BRINGING PRINT TO LIFE” HIKE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED”



Posted in Advocacy and Events | View Post

RightHear App for the Blind

Picture Of Person Using RightHear App For Blind PeopleSeveral different navigation applications can help blind people. Those include AccessNow, AroundMe, Autour, and BlindSquare. However, not many can assist blind people in navigating indoor spaces. One Israeli start-up hopes to change that with the RightHear app. The application can help visually impaired users navigate through malls, hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants, museums, and universities. RightHear is available in 26 languages and is free for Android and iOS users.

"In a supermarket, for example, the app can navigate to the bakery section or the vegetable aisle. In a mall, it can take you to a particular store or area," said Idan Meir, RightHear Co-founder & CEO.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

"RightHear app is making public spaces accessible for blind people"




Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

New Accessible Radio Set Designed for the Blind

Picture Of RNIB DAB+ And FM RadioBlind and partially sighted people can now benefit from a new accessible radio set designed for blind and partially sighted people. Created by the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the DAB+ and FM radio offers users easy-to-use tactile buttons and clear voice prompts. Blind people will also benefit from audible confirmations when buttons are pressed. What's more, the DAB+ and FM radio has a dual alarm with a snooze function, sleep timer, and supports USB, making it compatible with RNIB's Talking Book Service, giving users access to over 34,000 fiction and nonfiction books.

"We are thrilled to launch the new RNIB digital radio. It is important to RNIB that blind and partially sighted people can purchase accessible products without having to break the bank, which is why we are pleased to launch this affordable model", said RNIB Senior Retail Products Manager, Jennie Mather. "We continually review customer feedback to help us improve our products and strive to make a difference."

SDCB offers several vision rehabilitation programs and services. Please get in touch with us to learn more. 

"RNIB launches its own accessible FM and DAB+ digital radio"




Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Digital Experiences for Blind Audiences

Picture Of ArtEcho Echolocation ProjectThe Smithsonian Museum created an Open Access Challenge to help users explore online museum collections from the Smithsonian's Open Access collections. Seven teams were commissioned; the winning team included a group of Parsons Design and Technology alumni. The team, led by Zhizhen (Jerry) Tan, created ArtEcho, which will provide broader access for blind echolocation users to perceive the Smithsonian and other museums' 3D objects directly through sounds.

"I was inspired to create audio-based digital experiences primarily for sightless audiences' direct perception, and the Smithsonian challenge gave me a chance to interpret how a digital museum experience might enable people to interact with objects beyond just sight," explains Tan. "ArtEcho is a web-based virtual reality museum that allows you to perceive museum objects from Smithsonian 3D digitization library and their stories through imagery, sound, verbal narration, and simulated echolocation based on the teachings of Thomas Tajo."

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"Parsons Design and Technology Alumni Win the 2021 Smithsonian Open Access Challenge"




Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

The World’s Fastest Blind Sprinter

Picture of David Brown the worlds fastest blind sprinterThe Swiss sportswear brand On has produced films profiling gifted athletes and adventurers. The films show the human side of the athlete and delve into social issues. Some of you may have seen the two-year-old On film about Olympic gold medalist Nicola Spirig from Switzerland. In 2020, On covered a couple's epic mountaineering trek through a mix of stirring live-action and animation.

The latest film to drop is "Untethered," a 21-minute visual essay about "the world's fastest blind sprinter," David Brown. Mr. Brown is a U.S. Paralympian and the current 100-meter world record holder at 10.89 seconds. For nearly a decade, Brown has worked with mentor and running guide Jerome Avery to become a champion; a four-inch tether attaches the two athletes. "Untethered" explores the spiritual bond between Brown and Avery.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.


"On, the Sports Brand, Tells the Story of 'the World's Fastest Blind Sprinter"




Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

The National Federation of the Blind

Picture of Blind men working on boxes for Elizabeth Arden cosmetics at the Lighthouse, an institution for the blind in New York City 1944Blind workers were not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set standards for safety and pay. Historian Felicia Kornbluh explores the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 's efforts to organize visually impaired people during the 1950s to fight for their rights.

The NFB was created in the 1940s, becoming the first national organization in U.S. history led exclusively by blind men and women. In those years, the NFB contended that people who were blind needed to have a seat at the table when it came to crafting and implementing policies and programs that concerned blind people. Until the NFB came into the picture, self-styled professionals (not blind or visually impaired) acted as advocates for the sight-loss community.

Many organizations were resistant to having blind people helping to draft public policy when it came to their wellbeing. The head of the National Rehabilitation Association argued, "blind people like other handicapped people sometimes have unreasonable ambitions."'

Eventually, the NFB's work would be taken up in the late 1960s by the disability rights movement as a whole. The organization's efforts had a hand in the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"How Blind Activists Fought for Blind Workers"




Posted in Advocacy for Vision Impaired | View Post

The American Printing House for the Blind

Picture Of Hand Reading BrailleThe American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has a long history of helping the blind and visually impaired community. The non-profit's humble beginnings go back to 1854 when Morrison Heady, a blind Kentucky resident, started collecting donations in order to print a raised letter version of John Milton's Paradise Lost. Today the organization is dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired people by identifying obstacles in blind students' education. APH provides innovative products, materials, and services that support visually impaired people throughout their lifetime.

"Over the last few years, APH has expanded our products and services beyond our K-12 offerings to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and the professionals who serve them, throughout their lifetime. We are committed to meeting the needs of students, adults, parents, teachers, educators, advocates, and others we serve." – Sara Brown, Public Relations Manager, APH.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.


"Research & manufacturing products for blind & visually impaired people is APH's main focus"




Posted in Advocacy and Events | View Post

The World’s Leading Infectious Cause of Blindness

Picture Of Dr Agatha AboeDr. Agatha Aboe has a mission: stop the world's leading infectious cause of blindness—trachoma. Untreated, ​​trachoma can lead to permanent damage to the cornea, causing vision loss and blindness. Over the course of two decades, Dr. Aboe was instrumental in reversing and preventing trachoma in Ghana. ​​

"I thought, this is not right. In this present day, no one should be allowed to go blind from trachoma," Aboe said. "So I was challenged once I went to these trachoma-endemic areas, to do whatever I can — do my best, and get others on board — and together, help eliminate this disease from Ghana."

In 2018, the World Health Organization declared that Ghana had eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Now, Dr. Aboe is working to help other African and Asian countries achieve the same goal by implementing the same strategies used in Ghana.

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

"This Woman Helped Eliminate a Blinding Disease in Ghana. Now, She's Helping Other Countries Do the Same."



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Tactile ASL Translational User Mechanism

Picture Of Tactile ASL Translational User MechanismSamantha Johnson is a bioengineering student at Northeastern. She created the Tactile ASL Translational User Mechanism (TATUM) – a robotic arm – to help deaf-blind people communicate without an interpreter. While deaf people can communicate using ASL visually, deaf-blind people need to touch the signs; this requires an interpreter to be present to sign what others are saying because most people don't know how to sign. In the future, TATUM could allow the deaf-blind community the ability to speak privately; this could be helpful in settings like doctor's offices.

"When I was watching the interpreter sign, I asked, 'How do you communicate without the interpreter?'" and the answer was simply, "'We don't,'" Johnson recalls.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"THIS ROBOT USES TACTILE SIGN LANGUAGE TO HELP DEAF-BLIND PEOPLE COMMUNICATE INDEPENDENTLY"





Posted in Assistive and Vision Loss Technology and Products | View Post

Amazon Provides Blind People Access to Talking Book Service

Picture Of An Amazon Alexa Smart SpeakerThe Royal National Institute of Blind People's (RNIB) Talking Books service offers the visually impaired thousands of audiobooks sent out to customers in CD or USB format or as digital downloads. The RNIB first launched the service in 1935. Now, Amazon provides blind people access to the RNIB Talking Books service via its virtual home assistant, Alexa. By asking "Alexa, open RNIB Talking Books," blind users will be able to choose from more than 30,000 audiobooks.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that Talking Books customers can now access the 34,000 books in the RNIB Library by asking Alexa," said David Clarke, the RNIB director of services.

Please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

"Amazon's Alexa offers free audiobooks to people with sight loss"



Posted in Assistive and Vision Loss Technology and Products | View Post

Blind Guide Dog Leads the Blind

Picture of Gay in her guide dog harness leading Ken and Abel across a streetAll guide dogs loyally serve their owners by helping them get around and avoid obstacles. However, one guide dog continued to serve his owner log after he could see clearly. In the 1970s, seven-year-old golden Labrador Abel gradually went blind but never let his blind owner know as Abel continued to lead the way across the city.

When the discovery was made and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association issued a new guide dog to Ken Williams, he fought to keep Abel. From then on, the new guide dog Gay would lead both Ken and Abel around the city.

Contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"Loyal guide dog who was going blind didn't let owner know and kept guiding him"



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Association for Blind Athletes

Picture Of Someone Playing Beep Baseball​​The Wichita Association for Blind Athletes helps visually impaired residents get socially and recreationally involved in their community. Co-founded by Ira Mills, WABA has found numerous ways to do that, including creating a beep baseball team, the only team of its kind in Kansas. Beep baseball involves all players, except the pitchers and catchers, being blindfolded and identifying the ball by its chirping sound. Mills has been coaching the Wichita Falcons for the last four years. This year is the second time the Falcons The Wichita Falcons are competing in their second National Beep Baseball Association World Series.

"We're still rookies in this thing and I'm expecting a lot of competition," Mills said. "A lot of these guys have been around a lot longer, put in a lot more practice, have a lot more players on their roster and they can really hit the ball. It's going to be a very high-speed game."

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

"Playing and loving it: Wichita beep baseball team offers social connection for visually impaired"



Posted in Blind Athlete | View Post

Study On Color Blindness

Picture Of Colored Electrical WiresEnChroma, the creators of specialized glasses for color blindness, announced the results of a workforce survey highlighting the obstacles that tens of millions of workers with color blindness face every day. Surprisingly, nine of 10 participants in the study on color blindness stated that identifying colors plays a role in their job. What's more, 75 percent reported that color blindness slows them down at work, 65 percent have issues interpreting color-coded materials, and over 20 percent can't do tasks requiring accurate color identification.

"This study is critical for educating HR, safety and accessibility managers about color blindness and how, by implementing some simple guidelines, they can make the workplace more accessible for all employees," said Erik Ritchie, CEO of EnChroma. "Color blind people are just as successful and productive as any employee, but they can use a hand to reduce the everyday nuisances and obstacles they experience related to color in the workplace."

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

"Seventy-Five Percent of Color Blind People Experience Challenges at Work, EnChroma Study Finds"



Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Induction Stovetop for Blind People

Picture Of Ugo Induction Stovetop For Blind PeopleA new induction stovetop for blind people uses voice commands and haptic feedback to make cooking safer and more accessible. Dorian Famin, a French industrial designer, created Ugo, a two-part induction stovetop, in order to help streamline work in the kitchen for the blind and vision loss community. Ugo recites step-by-step recipes to users to aid blind people's cooking experience. The Ugo stovetop also includes wide, easy-to-grip handles, ensuring safe carrying and boosting the stove's tactile attributes.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

"THIS INDUCTION STOVETOP USES VOICE COMMANDS + HAPTIC FEEDBACK TO MAKE COOKING SAFER FOR THE BLIND!"



Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Blind Swimmer Withdrew from Paralympics

Picture Of Olympic Stadium In TokyoBecca Meyers, 26, was born with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes hearing and vision loss. Meyers is a six-time Paralympic medalist. She won three gold medals and a silver at the 2016 Rio Games, and a silver and bronze at London 2012. Meyers was expected to compete in next month's Tokyo Paralympics. However, the USOPC denied her request to have a personal care assistant (PCA) in Japan. As a result, the blind swimmer withdrew from the Paralympics.

"Team USA and USOPC know that I am deaf and blind," Meyers told ESPN. "I need a personal care assistant who I can trust. They are claiming that because of COVID restrictions, I can't get approved for a PCA. But I really don't believe that it's just because of COVID. They chose to ignore my needs. They chose to ignore my request for my team."

Please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

"Deaf-blind swimmer Becca Meyers is denied personal care assistant, withdraws from Tokyo Paralympics"



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Wearable Computer Vision Device for Blind People

Picture Of Wearable Vision DeviceA wearable vision device for blind people could help prevent collisions. A new study showed that people who have visual impairments could reduce their chance of collisions or falls by 37 percent due to wearing such devices. The study, led by vision rehabilitation researchers at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, was published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

"Independent travel is an essential part of daily life for many people who are visually impaired, but they face a greater risk of bumping into obstacles when they walk on their own," said Gang Luo, PhD, an associate scientist at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, and an associate professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. "Although many blind individuals use long canes to detect obstacles, collision risks are not completely eliminated. We sought to develop and test a device that can augment these everyday mobility aids, further improving their safety."

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"Wearable Devices Can Reduce Collision Risk in Blind and Visually Impaired People"



Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Blind People Can Overcome Obstacles With Help

Picture of Arturo Soto With His Guide Dog VangieLiving with vision loss or blindness is not easy, but blind people can overcome obstacles with help. Arturo Soto graduated high school this spring, despite having lost his vision in early 2020. Naturally, the sudden loss of vision left Soto feeling discouraged. What’s more, he began to withdraw from his friends and began isolating. However, Soto has a new lease on life thanks to his new guide dog Vangie.

Before he was paired with Vangie, a 2-year-old yellow lab, Soto relied on a white cane to detect obstacles. Soto says that he became frustrated by constantly bumping into objects and other people. Vangie has solved a lot of the problems that Soto had been experiencing.

“I call her my super dog,” Soto said of the 2-year-old yellow Lab. “She’s a great listener ... she’s a partner in crime. I owe a lot to her because she’s given me new strength.”

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about the programs and services we offer for visually impaired and blind people.

“Blindness isn’t an obstacle to success”



Posted in Adapting and Emotions - Living with Vision Loss | View Post

Accessibility for Visually Impaired and Blind People

Sight Tech Global 2021 FlyerSight Tech Global is an event about AI and the future of accessibility for visually impaired and blind people. Accessibility for visually impaired and blind people is crucial to progress. The next event will take place December 1-2, 2021. At last year’s event, Apple and Microsoft announced a remarkable tool that could enhance the lives of blind people—“scene description.” The AI cloud-based technology could inform users as to what was located in the room they are in. The tool could serve as a set of eyes for those who have lost their vision.

This year’s Sight Tech Global will focus on sight description heavily. The tricky question that will be asked at this year’s event is: “How do highly advanced, AI-based technologies actually become compelling, affordable products that folks who are blind or visually impaired readily adopt?”

Contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"Announcing Sight Tech Global 2021"



Posted in Accessibility | View Post

Blind Woman Rides Coast-to-Coast

Map Of Bike Path Across The CountryOver the years, many people have ridden their bikes from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. However, it’s truly an impressive feat when the person riding the bike is living with a disability. We are all watching as one blind woman rides coast-to-coast this summer.

Shawn Cheshire is a U.S. Army veteran and former paramedic who lost her vision. She has taken to her bicycle to break social barriers and stigmas surrounding the blind community. Cheshire began her journey on May 17 in Florence, Oregon. Now, roughly 3,800-miles later, she is expected to ride into Virginia Beach on the Atlantic coast sometime today.

“I lost my vision from a traumatic brain injury while working as a paramedic in the back of an ambulance. I don’t remember the accident,” said Cheshire. “Now that I’m blind, no longer sighted, there are these thought processes of what blind people can and can’t do and I don’t like that. I don’t want to feel like I have to live a limited life because I’m blind.”

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our vision loss programs and services.

“Blind woman’s coast-to-coast bike ride stops in Roanoke”



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Young Man is Not Deterred by Blindness

Picture Of Hari Roberts With His HorseHari Roberts lives an action-packed life; he’s been riding horses for ten years and is currently studying Equine Care and Management at Coleg Cambria. Roberts has been blind since birth, but the young man is not deterred by blindness.

Hari is a thrill-seeker who does dressage, but he also has taken part in several other intense sports such as triathlons. He plans to do a high-ropes course in the near future. Hari said:

“A few people are surprised when they find out what I am doing because it is unusual to them, but I’ve shown from a young age that being blind is no barrier if you’re motivated and truly believe in yourself.”

Please reach out to SDCB if you are struggling with vision loss or blindness. We offer many programs and services that can help.

“Thrillseeker Hari won’t let blindness stop lifelong dream to work with horses”



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

The Relationship Between Poverty and Blindness

Picture Of Patients After Cataract SurgeryDid you know that nearly 90% of the world’s blind live in low-income countries? What’s more, the leading cause of blindness in such countries is, more times than not, preventable. Blindness due to cataracts, for instance, is avoidable.

The relationship between poverty and blindness is both a cause and consequence of each other. Ending the cycle requires highly complex strategies that transcend mere funding. In fact, people living in low-income countries need first to understand that blindness is not a normal part of life—that vision loss can be prevented.

Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

“To end extreme poverty, we must also end blindness”



Posted in Advocacy for Vision Impaired | View Post

Invention Helps Blind People Detect Light

Picture Of Mary Jameson Using The OptophoneEdmund Edward Fournier d’Albe was an Irish writer, inventor, and physicist. On June 25, 1912, d’Albe demonstrated a new invention at the Optical Society Convention in London. He called the machine an “exploring optophone,” he contended that his creation helps blind people detect light or “hear” light instead.

The optophone houses a cell that relies on the photoelectric properties of selenium. A pair of headphones allowed users to listen for modulations in tone as the cell detected light; it allowed listeners to distinguish between light and dark spaces.

d’Albe claimed that the optophone was a new mobility tool that would help blind people safely explore their environments. The device could even detect the light and dark spaces of letters on paper. Mary Jameson started using the optophone in 1918, and she could read 60 words per minute by 1972.

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

“A Century Ago, the Optophone Allowed Blind People to Hear the Printed Word”



Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post
USA Qualifies For The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

USA Qualifies For The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

USA Qualifies For The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic GamesBoth men’s and women’s USA goalball teams punched their tickets for the the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games goalball in Tokyo.  Goalball is a sport designed specifically for visually impaired athletes.

Each team is one of only ten worldwide to qualify.  In fact, the drawing to determine each team’s group was held in Tokyo in May.  The USA men’s team, which earned silver in the 2016 Olympics, will be in Group A, along with world champions Brazil, hosts Japan, African champion Algeria, and defending Olympic gold medalists Lithuania.

The USA women’s team, bronze medalists last Olympics, are grouped in Pool B along with defending Olympic champion Turkey, host Japan, Egypt, and Brazil.

Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

USA Qualifies For The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games



Posted in Blind Athlete, Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post
Famous Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes

Famous Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes

Famous Blind and Visually Impaired AthletesRead inspirational stories about some of history’s best blind and visually impaired athletes.  They overcame physical and emotional challenges in addition to societal obstacles and lowered expectations.

Erik Weihenmayer climbed Mount Everest.  Completely blind Craig MacFarlane won 103 medals in 6 summer and winter sports.  Another Craig, Craig Aucoin, finished seven triathlons and biked across Canada.  And of course, Marla Runyan became the first blind athlete to participate in the Olympic Games, reaching the finals of the women’s 1,500 meters in 2000 in Sydney.

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision rehabilitation programs and services. Please contact us to learn more.

Famous Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes



Posted in Blind Athlete, Blind and Vision Impaired - Famous, Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post
First legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games

First Legally Blind Athlete to Compete in the Olympic Games

First legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games - Marla RunyanMarla Runyan made history by becoming the first legally blind athlete ever to compete in the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000. She made it to the finals, where she placed eighth in the 1,500 meters, the best finish by an American woman in that event. Beginning in 2001, she won three straight US national championships in the 5,000 meters.

In 2002 she won the national championships in the road 5K and 10K, and also married her coach Matt Lonergan that year. Marla went on to compete in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
In 2002 and 2006, Marla was awarded USATF's "Runner of the Year" honor. She held IPC world records or world bests in the T13 classification in an amazing 10 events.

At age 10, Marla was diagnosed with Stargardt disease. At that point, many around her, including her parents, told her she "couldn't", which merely motivated her to show that she "could!"

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services,

First legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympic Games



Posted in Blind Athlete, Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

From Blindness to a Promising Future

Picture of Robert Parson A Blind Grad StudentRobert Parsons is an inspiration to blind and low vision communities. Parsons has earned two master's degrees from Western Michigan University. He has come a long way since 2014 when a traumatic brain injury left Parsons living with blindness.

"You really can't imagine something until you have no choice but to face it. I think the reason I was able to adapt the way I did and push through some of the darker thoughts I could have had was because I was still riding on the high that I actually survived the attack," he says. "That's what carried me for a long time. So, when that euphoria fell away, I was already accomplishing so much that I didn't really have a reason to feel down about it."

Thanks to several surgeries and a spirit of determination, Parsons did not let vision loss hold him back in life. He learned how to read Braille and enrolled in community college.

"I started at the associate degree level … and just worked my way up degree after degree. Now I'm here," says Parsons, who will receive master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling and vision rehabilitation therapy from Western on Saturday, June 26.

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision rehabilitation programs and services. Please contact us to learn more.

“Grad student who lost sight has vision of transforming rehabilitation for blindness and visual impairments”



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

When The Night Belonged To The Blind

Picture Of Seoul Korea Circa 1900One hundred and 40 years ago a stroll down the streets of Seoul (South Korea) would have been a surreal experience. You would rarely see a woman walking the streets most of the day. However, you may run into the fairer sex at night because men, with very few exceptions, were confined to their homes during a curfew hour.

“There were designated times during the evening when women were permitted to leave their homes. Louise Miln reported in the nineteenth century that “after the curfew rings, it is illegal for a Korean man to leave his own house; then it becomes legal for Korean women to slip out and take the air and gossip freely.” Henry Savage-Landor also noted those times when women could leave their domestic sphere for an outside realm of female sociability: “Men are confined to the house from about an hour after sunset or were severely punished both with imprisonment and flogging if found walking about the streets during ‘women’s hours.’

One exception to curfew hours for men during the ChosQn dynasty (1392–1910) applied to blind men. Percival Lowell, an American residing in Seoul during the winter of 1883/84 was one of the exceptions and vividly described his jaunts through Seoul's darkened streets. He also described some of the other exceptions:

"There is another class in the community who are permitted freely to roam at nights, ― blind men. A thoughtful kindness has given them an immunity they could never abuse. Unable to travel fast they can easily be watched; and so blind men's holiday in Korea is prolonged from the twilight on till dawn."

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services,

“Curfew allows nighttime to belong to the blind”



Posted in Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired | View Post

An Epidemic of Blindness

Picture Of Blindness Book CoverThe last year and a half has been extremely challenging. All of us were forwarded to ask hard questions about how we were going to survive in the midst of chaos. It was perhaps most challenging for those living with visual impairments. People living with blindness had to quickly adapt to life without access to many of the resources they once depended upon. The hats of the sighted community should go off to everyone living with a disability during these challenging times.

With summer on the horizon, and the pandemic receding, you might find yourself with some more free time. If you are on the hunt for a summer book,then you may be interested in reading or listening to “Blindness” by José Saramago. The book forces readers to ask some challenging questions about human nature and existence. “Blindness” may hit too close to home given that the story centers around the first patients of a pandemic, but instead of a coronavirus the disease causes an epidemic of blindness.

Each of the novel's characters must learn how to adapt to a life without vision. They must contend with dehumanization, the loss of identity and purpose.

Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services.

“Stuff you should read: ‘Blindness’”



Posted in Adapting and Emotions - Living with Vision Loss | View Post

Helping Blind People Know When Their Food Has Gone Bad

Picture Of Mimica Touch Food Decay SensorHelping blind people know when their food has gone bad is important to a company called Mimica. Soon blind people could have an easier way to discern if their food has spoiled because Mimica created touch-sensitive sensors to tell you how fresh your food is. The project started as a way to help blind people.

Mimica Touch contains a plant-based gel that decays at the same rate as food. The company's hope is that less food will be thrown away; Mimica Touch is far more precise than expiration dates. The product will first be released in European markets, and in North America down the road, hopefully.

“When it [the label] is smooth the food is fresh and when you can feel bumps the food should no longer be consumed,” says Giorgia Raci, the research and development lead at Mimica. “We started with perishable foods such as juice, diary and meat, because that’s where we see the most waste, but we’re now looking at medicine, cosmetics and blood donations.”

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness; please contact us to learn more.

“From fly oil to 3D-printed biscuits: the women reimagining the food of the future”



Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Brain Implant That Could Restore Vision To Blind People

Drawing Of A Brain With An Implant For BlindnessA team of researchers from several universities is working on a brain implant that could restore vision to blind people. If successful, blind people could get their sight back partially.

The process works by having electrodes inserted into the visual cortex of the brain. An implant translates camera images into electrical shocks that stimulate brain cells in the visual cortex allowing blind people to discern shapes. Richard van Wezel, professor of visual neuroscience at the University of Twente and Radboud University, states:

“Implanting electrodes in the brain. That sounds pretty heavy because the skull has to be opened up first. And it basically is. But ask a neurosurgeon about this and they will say it’s not such a big deal. The visual cortex is a large area so you can put a lot of electrodes in there. One hundred at the moment. Electrical activity creates points of light that enable an image to be formed. This replaces the eyes with a camera, so to speak.”

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about how we can help you regain some of your independence.

“Brain implant enables blind people to see again in the future”




Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Voice Dream Reader for Visual Impairment

Picture of Voice Dream Reader developer Winston ChenWinston Chen, a developer, designed an app for people with visual impairment while living in the Arctic Circle. His Voice Dream Reader won him the prestigious Apple Design Award. Voice Dream Reader supports text-to-speech as well as visual reading for blind people or those living with low vision and dyslexia.

Chen’s Voice Dream Reader for visual impairment reads text aloud from just about any digital source. The application could greatly enhance blind people’s reading experience.

"For thousands of years, reading meant decoding phonetic symbols in black ink printed on white surfaces," Chen said. "But the human brain is not wired for that, which is why it takes years to become a proficient visual reader. In fact, our brains are wired to communicate orally. I wanted to explore how technology could allow everyone to learn more naturally -- by listening."

Please contact SDCB for vision loss and blindness support. We offer several programs that can improve your quality of life.

“After Year in the Arctic, Solo Developer Wins Prestigious Apple Design Award for Read-Aloud App for the Blind”



Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

People With Vision Loss Can Learn Echolocation

Picture Of Blind Person With Guide DogNew research suggests that blind people can benefit from receiving instruction on echolocation. What’s more, people with vision loss can learn echolocation with just a small amount of training. Click-based echolocation helps individuals judge spaces and improve their navigation skills.

The team of researchers studied how people learn the skill. The participants in the study ranged in age, some were sighted and others were blind. The study found that all participants who were blind reported improved mobility and 83% reported better independence and wellbeing. Dr. Lore Thaler, of Durham University, said:

“People who took part in our study reported that the training in click-based echolocation had a positive effect on their mobility, independence and wellbeing, attesting that the improvements we observed in the lab transcended into positive life benefits outside the lab.”

“We are very excited about this and feel that it would make sense to provide information and training in click-based echolocation to people who may still have good functional vision, but who are expected to lose vision later in life because of progressive degenerative eye conditions.”

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness; please contact us to learn more.

“Echolocation can help those with vision loss – study”



Posted in Independent Living Skills | View Post

Global Poverty and Blindness

Picture Of Epidemiologist Lawson UngLawson Ung graduated from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s master of science program in epidemiology and he plans to return in the fall to begin a Ph.D. program. Ung is interested in the intersection between global poverty and blindness. Ung sees the relationship between eye injury, poverty, and loss of human potential as a call to action.

Did you know that eighty percent of the global population of blind people live in low- and middle-income countries, where eye injuries are common and eye doctors are far and few between? Easily treatable conditions lead to corneal ulcers, infections, and blindness. The result: many can’t earn a living because of blindness.

“Corneal infections tend to be particularly severe. If you lose transparency of the front window of the eye, the cornea, then the ability of light to transmit to the back of the eye, the retina, is limited,” said Ung “Even tiny abrasions to the front surface of the eye can develop very quickly to blinding ulcers, blinding infections of the cornea.”

Please reach out to SDCB to learn about the variety of programs and services we offer.

“Finding a call to action in global poverty and blindness”



Posted in Blindness and Society | View Post

Helping Blind Students Study Chemistry

Picture of Gummy Fruit Candies Used For Learning ChemistryVisually impaired students are often discouraged from taking science courses because they’re considered too dangerous or too visual for blind people. Bryan Shaw, a biochemist and biophysicist at Baylor University, has devised an ingenious method for helping blind students study chemistry.

While eating a blackberry at breakfast, Shaw mused on the similarities between the tiny fruit and the structure of molecules. He thought to himself that students living with blindness could benefit from learning with their tongues. Shaw and his graduate student published a paper in Science Advances about the success of using tiny 3-D models to help blind students sense and visualize protein structures using their mouths.

“When you've lost your vision completely…you need to utilize every single sense you have, and the tongue is the finest tactile sensor you have,” Shaw says.

Please contact SDCB to learn more vision rehabilitation programs.

“Gummy Candy-Like Models Can Help Students With Blindness Study Chemistry”



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Sicilian Musician Overcame His Visual Impairment

Picture Of Blind Musician Michele RomeoMichele Romeo of Sicily has been playing guitar since he was four years old. He was quickly identified as being a musical prodigy. Unfortunately, Romeo was diagnosed with a rare ocular disease at age 13, which would rob him of his sight one day and maybe his ability to shine musically. However, the Sicilian musician overcame his visual impairment and produced an album in 2012, garnering him critical acclaim in Sicily.

In 2016 he moved to Boston to attend the prestigious Berklee College in Boston for a program specifically tailored to blind musicians. Now, he is working on a second album.

“Being blind is not the easiest thing. However, as a musician, I have benefited from it. My ears opened up. Before coming to Boston, I had no idea how to record my music. I had to depend on other people to do it, which was very frustrating. At Berklee, however, through the Assistive Lab Technology directed by Prof. Chi Kim, I learned how to use music software on my own. Having the opportunity to connect with a professor who is also blind and being introduced to entirely new paths, was incredibly important.”

San Diego Center for the Blind offers visual rehabilitation programs that can help you or a loved one. Please contact us to learn more.

“Michele Romeo Is Making More Than Music”



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Gene Therapy Helping Blind People See

Picture Of The Human EyeScientists can now partially restore vision in some blind people thanks to a new treatment. A new gene therapy is helping blind people see, particularly those suffering from retinitis pigmentosa.

New research published in Nature Medicine describes how a man, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa more than 40 years ago, could now recognize shapes thanks to optogenetic therapies and special goggles. Four other patients have also had success with a similar treatment that allowed them to detect light and motion.

The gene therapy injection improves the light sensitivity of cells in the retina. The goggles magnify light to boost the ability of retina cells to send electrical signals to the brain.

SDCB offers several programs and services that can help improve your quality of life. Please contact us to learn more.

“Scientists make dramatic progress toward miracle of helping blind people see”



Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Adapting To Life With Blindness

Picture of Sayali ApteSayali Apte was 23 years old when her life changed irreversibly. A terrible accident led to permanent blindness for the young entrepreneur. The loss of vision turned her life upside down and severely impacted her mental health. One day, Apte had an epiphany: she could not restore her sight, but she could choose to persevere. Adapting to life with blindness was a process.

On her long road to recovery, Sayali’s doctors informed her that another surgery might partially restore her vision. She had had 12 surgeries before but held on to hope that she might be able to see her daughter grow up. The thirteenth surgery proved successful. When she awoke from the procedure, the heart monitor appeared before her eye. She could read her name on the medical chart. Naturally, it was an emotional moment for Apte. From depression and negativity to hope and positivity.

“When you spend so much time alone in the dark and unable to see yourself, your sense of identity goes out the window,” said Apte. “I now have a real appreciation for the power of positivity and what role the mind can play in helping the body recover from injury.”

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs.

“From Blindness To Boss Lady: How One Entrepreneur Turned Her Pain Into Power”



Posted in Adapting and Emotions - Living with Vision Loss | View Post

Braille Menu for Restaurants

Lily McCarthy fellow eighth-grader who is legally blindSighted people can easily take for granted that they have no problem deciding what to eat at a restaurant. Menus, after all, cater to people with healthy eyes. You might imagine that the same is not true for blind people and those living with vision loss.

Lily McCarthy is an eighth-grader at Beverly Middle School. When it came to her attention that she takes reading menus for granted, she thought of her classmate Nic who is legally blind. She decided to do something about the lack of restaurant menus with Braille. Her project caught the eyes of the National Braille Press, the premier Braille publisher in the United States.

"Some of the small restaurants who may think of doing it are normally prompted by a blind person asking for it,” said Brian Mac Donald, NBP president. "We want Braille to be out there for all blind people for information. That's part of our mission as a nonprofit."

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you with vision loss or blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

"Overcoming obstacles: Eighth-grader's project advocates for Braille menus"



Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired - Heroes Stories | View Post

Software Companies Consider the Blind People

Picture Of A Website EditorMore and more software companies are changing their platforms to make it easier for people with disabilities to take advantage of content and strengthen their web presence. Wix, an Israel-based software company, provides cloud-based web development services for those who do not have a background in web design. The Wix Accessibility Wizard scans a website to find potential issues for people with disabilities and impairments, such as individuals who are blind and use screen-reader technology, as well as those who are colorblind. DIY web design platforms can now make websites making more inclusive.

"People with disabilities still very frequently run into many barriers on websites including mobile applications that are critical for them to carry out the things they need to do," said Judy Brewer, director of the Web Accessibility Initiative at the World Wide Web Consortium.

Reach out to SDCB if you would like help with vision loss or blindness.

"Website Makers Tinker With Tools to Serve Blind Users"


Posted in Accessibility | View Post

Software Updates for Blind and Vision Loss Community

Picture Of Apple SighTime AppPeople living with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive disabilities can benefit from the latest software update from Apple. The company behind the sleek technological devices that we are all too familiar with believes that accessibility is a human right. iPad will support third-party eye-tracking hardware to make using the devices easier for blind and vision loss communities. Apple's VoiceOver screen reader will become more intelligent by using on-device intelligence to explore objects within images. This month, SignTime was launched, a tool that enables users to communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care by using American Sign Language (ASL) in the US, British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK, or French Sign Language (LSF) in France.

"At Apple, we've long felt that the world's best technology should respond to everyone's needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. "With these new features, we're pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people — and we can't wait to share them with our users."

Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind to learn more about our programs and services. 

"Apple previews powerful software updates designed for people with disabilities"



Posted in Accessibility | View Post

A Barbie Representing the Blind Community

Picture Of Helen Keller Barbie DollOf late, the company behind the iconic doll known around the world as Barbie has been releasing a “Inspiring Women” line of dolls. The lineup includes: Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, and Sally Ride.

The list of Inspiring Women dolls would not be complete without a Barbie representing a member of the blind community. Who better to make her debut than Helen Keller? Keller was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was also a renowned author, speaker, educator, and disability advocate. Mattel worked closely with the National Federation of the Blind to ensure that the doll and its props are authentic and accessible to the blind/low-vision community.

"We are excited to welcome disability rights advocate, author and educator Helen Keller to our expanding Inspiring Women collection as Barbie continues to highlight strong female role models," said Lisa McKnight, Mattel's senior vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls. "Representation comes in all forms and we recognize that the blind and low vision community is often overlooked, with their stories going untold. We hope that by introducing children to Helen Keller's story of perseverance and determination, they will be inspired to dream bigger than ever before."

Please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

“Mattel Unveils Helen Keller Doll — the Newest Addition to Barbie's Inspiring Women Series”



Posted in Arts and Culture, TV, Movies | View Post

Restoring Vision to Blind People

Picture Of Scientist Holding Artificial RetinaEvery day, researchers work tirelessly to combat vision loss and blindness. Scores of studies are underway, all with the hope of restoring vision to blind people. One such research project, led by Dr. Matthew Griffith, of the Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis and the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, involves the printing of artificial retinas. The retina is the thin layer of tissue lining the back of the eye which receives light, converts it into neural signals, and sends the transmissions to the brain for processing.

Dr. Griffith has created an electrical device from multi-coloured carbon-based semiconductors. They use absorbed light to fire the neurons that transmit signals from the eyes to the brain, essentially acting as an artificial retina for those whose eyes can no longer function in that manner.

"Worldwide, the number of people living with vision impairment is at least 2.2 billion. Our research aims to provide a biomedical solution to those experiencing blindness from retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the second being one of the leading causes of blindness in the world," said Dr Griffith.

SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

“Organic, printable device could restore sight to the blind”



Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Picture Of A Disabled Person Using A SmartphoneTomorrow is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a time to encourage mobile providers to fully grasp the upside of designing products with inclusion and accessibility at the forefront. Technology must cater to the blind, deaf, and physically impaired community. It’s worth remembering that the typewriter, the predecessor of computer keyboards, was invented to help blind people type. Remote controls were designed to allow the physically impaired people access to television.

Accessible technology not only drives innovation, it forges the road towards the next generation of technological advancement—progress. The above is not lost on Verizon, a company that understands the importance of inclusion. Ronan Dunne, CEO of Verizon Consumer, stated:

“As a sector, we're building a more connected world and are therefore uniquely positioned to shape a more equitable future. We need to ensure that disability inclusion is infused in every aspect of our business.” Adding, “we must build and design with accessibility as the guiding principle and co-create solutions with the disability community at the table.”

Please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.

“Why The Mobile Industry Is So Central To Inclusion Worldwide”



Posted in Advocacy and Events | View Post

Combat Vision Loss With CRISPR

Doctor Comparing Vision Of Patients Before And After CRISPR ProcedureCRISPR is a gene-editing technique allowing scientists to make precise changes in DNA. The method has shown promise for blood disorders and is being tested for several forms of cancer. Researchers believe that CRISPR can help in fighting diseases and help people suffering from rare genetic disorders.

A landmark study is underway that involves two patients living with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare genetic disorder that destroys light-sensing cells in the retina, cursing severe vision loss. The research is novel because it's the first time scientists are using CRISPR to edit DNA still inside patients' bodies. The researchers are hopeful that they can combat vision loss with CRISPR and restore the two patients' sight.

"This is the very first time that anyone's ever actually tried to do gene-editing from inside the body," said Dr. Lisa Michaels, chief medical officer at the company sponsoring the study, Editas Medicine of Cambridge, Mass. "We're actually delivering the gene-editing apparatus to the part of the body where the disease takes place in order to correct it."

San Diego Center for the Blind offers programs and services to help adults living with vision loss or blindness. Please reach out to us to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.

"Blind Patients Hope Landmark Gene-Editing Experiment Will Restore Their Vision"



Posted in Researchers and Leaders in Eye Disease | View Post
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