Scientists in the UK have discovered a cache of stem cells in the eye that could lead to reversing blindness for those with age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. It’s still in the early phase of research.
LCA-1 research is getting a boost from Genzyme with a $900,000 grant to pursue gene therapy. Dr. Shannon Boye has had success with animals in the lab and is looking to take her research to the next step. She is focusing primarily on the GUCY2D gene.
Researchers are using 3D printers to create artificial retinal nerve cells. They hope this will lead to using this to replace damaged retinal cells and ultimately cure retinal blindness.
University of Oxford and RNIB have teamed up to create glasses that can help those with even a small amount of vision to identify objects and images. They’re planning a clinical trial, with rollout hopefully in 2016.
The first human trials in using home-grown stem cells to treat age-related macular degeneration took place recently in Japan. This could be a breakthrough for other therapies involving stem cells and retinal degeneration.
Devoted dad Shahzad Zaidi makes tactile graphics to make education and games more accessible to his visually impaired son.
A Japanese ophthalmologist has invented a way to use adult stem cells to replace the base layer of the retina and improve the sight of those with age-related macular degeneration.
Ducere Tech, an Indian start-up, has created new technology whereby your shoes can tell you which direction to take by connecting wirelessly with your GPS nav system. This could be really useful for blind pedestrians!
The Osmo Game System uses special adaptations to make the iPad more interactive, allowing users to manipulate real tangible objects while using their iPad. It promotes social skills, creative thinking and manual dexterity.
Two free apps for visually impaired mobile phone users: CareerConnect for iOS and AccessNote for iOS and Android. Offered by American Foundation for the Blind.
Nancy Shugart talks about growing up with vision issues and how that affected the choices she made going into adulthood. This TED talk is about learning to live without fear.
Marty the SMART Brailler is ready to go on a new adventure! Will you be one of the lucky families to host Marty and be eligible to win your own free SMART Brailler? We’ll begin accepting applications in September 2014.
The Pentagon contracts with CAP to offer assistive technology that makes the workplace more accessible to federal employees with disabilities.
Perkins SMART Braillers are now available at American Printing House using quota funds. These funds make educational tools for those who are blind accessible.
There are several exciting new technologies designed to improve vision. Retinitas pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other eye issues have new treatments.
