Retina New Zealand Newsletter February 2011 No 48
Charities Commission Reg No 23240
The Newsletter of Retina NZ Inc
A Member of Retina International
1. From the Editor
2. From the President’s Desk
3. Quote
4. Doron Hickey: Eye Researcher
5. Retina International Conference Papers
6. Research
7. Merlot Study
8. Prevention of Autosomal Dominant RP
9. Treating Colour Blindness
10. Quotes
11. Walking Into the Light
12. My Life With AMD
13. Coping Section
14. Apple iPad
15. Colour Identifiers
16. Columbus Talking Compass
17. Audible Light Sensor
18. Distance Viewing Aids
19. Save Our Sight Website
20. Zoomtext Express
21. Famous People With a Vision Impairment
22. Branch News
23. For Sale
24. Notices
25 Book Review
1. From The Editor
Happy New Year to all the members of Retina New Zealand! I hope you
all enjoyed the holiday season and are looking forward to the events of
2011 which will make this such an exciting year; a royal wedding, the
rugby world cup, and an election. It promises to be a very busy year.
High humidity and record temperatures have made the last couple of
months very uncomfortable for many people. I have to confess that I
am thoroughly enjoying this hot summer after a winter where it rained
almost every day, the heat and sunshine is wonderful. I am sure we all
have sympathy for our Australian friends who are experiencing such
devastating floods, the forces of nature have overwhelmed this
wonderful country and seems to have challenged people in ways they
never dreamt.
My guide dog Chocolat retired the week before Christmas and I have
had to teach her to be a dog; to play with other dogs on the beaches
along the Waikato River, to walk beside rather than in front of me, and
to show courtesy to other dogs on the footpath now that she is no
longer a working dog who thought she had extra special privileges.
She seems to be enjoying retirement, but has not yet taken up bowls,
golf or bridge. A large hole she has dug under a camellia bush where
she lies in the hottest part of the day is the only evidence of the impact
of the heat and humidity on her.
In my last newsletter I included an article on falls. One of the
recommendations of the ACC was to join a swimming group. At the
end of November I joined an aqua jogging class at a small heated pool
near my home. This has proved invaluable in not only helping to heal
injuries caused by falls for many of the people who attend, but is a fun
way to keep fit, meet people, and the feeling of weightlessness is
addictive. If there are classes near you give it a go, it is a great way to
exercise.
I interviewed Doron Hickey, the recipient of a Woolf Fisher Scholarship
and future clinical eye researcher in January. That interview is on page
4 and 5 of this newsletter. Kiran Valabh’s report on two of the papers he
attended at the Retina International Conference are followed by the
latest AMD research and an article on research into colour blindness.
Alison Wilson’s talk to the Kapiti VIPs is on Pg 10. I receive many
queries about equipment for the blind and vision-impaired so the
coping section describes many of the newer ones which are on the
market. Some are available in New Zealand, others will have to be
ordered online. Included in this section is the Apple iPad and a hand
held colour detector. This newsletter concludes with a review of a new
cookbook, ‘Eating for Eye Health’.. I hope you will be able to purchase
it in your area.
Susan Mellsopp: editor@retina.org.nz
2. From The President’s Desk
As I reflect back on 2010 for our society and look forward to our
continued growth in 2011, my overriding sentiments are those of pride,
commitment and optimism. We can take great pride from our
achievements in 2010, pride as our peer support reached out to
Tauranga for the first time and renewed our presence in Dunedin. Pride
also in our significant role in the funding and establishment of New
Zealand’s first patient database for people with inherited retinal
disorders. In 2010 we benefited greatly from the commitment and
growing experience of our executive-for many of us our voluntary
commitment has extended to somewhere near 10 years and I speak for
all of us when I say we are as committed to our society’s objectives as
the day we first became members.
We don’t need to look far to realise people with retinal disorders have
solid evidence for optimism around future treatments for our eye
disorders. While there is considerable optimism internationally in
areas of treatment such as gene replacement, neuroprotection and
prosthetic retinal devices, we should also be buoyed by developments
in our own backyard. The National Eye Centre in Auckland now boasts
fourteen distinct but inter-related research teams and the Australian
government has invested $42 million in Bionic Vision Australia to
develop bionic vision technology that could deliver a commercially
available device in the next 5 years.
In the latter part of 2010 I was most encouraged to see real signs that
younger New Zealanders could be encouraged to support their peers
as they meet and overcome the sight loss specific challenges they
face. Apart from the future of our society being dependent on the
energy of voluntary input and our need to continue to nurture the
involvement of younger people, we need to recognise that a solid
network of people in similar life stages will be an increasingly
important resource when kiwis with retinal disorders weigh up the
many benefits and risks associated with undergoing treatment
involving new medical technologies. While recognising the desire of
younger New Zealanders with retinal disorders to communicate
amongst their peers in ways characteristic of their cohort, we need to
be conscious of opportunities for interactions right across our
membership where mutual value is likely to be gained.
I hope 2011 will deliver all you hope for, and I am looking forward to
sharing a cup of tea or other refreshment opportunity with you this
year.
Fraser Alexander: President
3. Quote: Do something for somebody every day for which you do not
get paid: Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965
4. Doron Hickey: Eye Researcher
Doron Hickey became interested in a career in eye research and
ophthalmology when he was invited by a family friend who was an
ophthalmologist to watch while he did eye surgeries. The more he read
and studied, the more Doron became fascinated with the science of the
eye. He became aware of how important the retina is as our connection
with the world. He said that when we are talking or interacting with
someone we usually focus on their eyes to obtain feedback.
Growing up in Hamilton, Doron attended Hillcrest High School where
he was dux in 2003. Winning the school chemistry and physics prize,
he also topped New Zealand in bursary statistics. After studying
medicine at Auckland University Doron moved to Canberra to continue
his medical training. During his final year he studied the history and
development of the eye which he said was fascinating.
Doron was recently awarded a Woolf Fisher Scholarship, and he also
applied for a Rhodes Scholarship. He will move to Oxford in 2012
following a year as a house surgeon in Melbourne to begin his PhD
research at the Nuffield laboratory. This is a clinically based laboratory
which is in the same building as the eye hospital. The head of this
laboratory visited Australia last year and Doron was able to discuss
his future research interests with the director. This led to an 8 week
elective in Oxford where he investigated research options, met other
researchers, and sat in on clinics with consultants who often met
patients who would be suitable to take part in clinical trials. Doron
commented that opportunities are available to these patients in the UK
because of their location and ability to access a research team. The
option of being selected to take part in research trials at this level are
just a dream for most New Zealand eye patients.
He is looking forward to the general experience of living in a college,
working with its high expectations for academic excellence, and taking
part in Oxford traditions. Yes, he can ride a bike, cycling is one of his
interests!
Doron also hopes to train as an ophthalmologist and will pursue this
goal on his return to New Zealand following his PhD research His goal
is to become a clinician/researcher and to do retinal research here in
New Zealand where he sees great opportunities for this speciality.
Collaboration with a laboratory here, which does research for the
Oxford laboratory, should offer endless possibilities enhanced by
modern communication technologies.
Doron’s research is focused on retinitis pigmentosa and gene therapy.
His passion is also to understand the normal physiology and anatomy
of the eye. He said it is vital to understand how the normal eye works to
appreciate the implications disease has for vision.
At the Nuffield laboratory Doron will work in the gene therapy field to
develop a hybrid cell combining the DNA of melanopsin (a
photopigment found in the ganglion cells of the retina) and the DNA
sequences of either rhodopsin or coneopsin. The addition of
melanopsin could make the other cells light sensitive. He will begin by
doing cell cultures, then develop an animal model, with human trials
occurring later. Doron says this therapy is somewhat proven, but his
research aims to find the right protein, combine the DNA sequence to
form the hybrid cell, and see how they react. In RP the ganglion cells
remain healthy, so there is a possibility some sight could be restored
by adding in the light sensitive protein. He said this is very
complicated research, and the aim is to develop it into a gene therapy
which could be injected into an RP patient with a healthy inner retina.
There is a possibility that at some time in the future this research could
be applied to other eye conditions. Doron has also been invited to take
part in a diabetic retinopathy research project which will involve
macula pigment imaging.
Getting to know patients and how vision loss affects their lives is also
a passion for Doron. On his return to New Zealand last year he
contacted the RNZFB offering his services as a volunteer. He was
assigned to help a young woman who needed help with her study
tutorials, went tandem biking with another member (who is also a
member of Retina NZ), and read science articles onto tape for a
member with a huge interest in this field. He found the impact of
blindness on people, how they adapt their lives, and the difficulties
they have with issues such as employment challenged his thinking as
he has taken the time to ask questions and to observe individuals with
retinal disorders.
While his future is in Oxford as part of the gene therapy research team,
the lifestyle and his family here in New Zealand is important to Doron.
He believes this wonderful opportunity to gain international
experience will allow him to follow his dreams of becoming a
clinician/researcher here and follow his preferred balance of research
and patients.
Research offers hope to patients said Doron, and humans must use
their skills as innovators and toolmakers to solve problems.
Understanding both the normal and the diseased can bring
modification and positive changes for the future. Following his
research and clinical passions he hopes to make a real difference in
the lives of people with a vision impairment. Doron said that other
research such as that with stem cells were offering exciting
possibilities and the potential convergence of research technologies
meant he was very excited to be taking part in such ground breaking
research.
5. Retina International Conference Report: Kiran Valabh
Neuroprotection and Antioxidants in Retinal Degenerations by
Professor Theo van Veen
Hereditary disorders of the nervous system, including the retina, are
as a rule chronic and progressive. In many cases underlying mutations
cause the disease and the mechanisms leading to cell decay are not
fully understood. Corrective gene therapy would cure mutation
dependent cell death, and in some cases positive results have been
shown. Unfortunately, due to the great number of different mutations, a
general application of this method is not feasible yet.
To halt the progression of retinal diseases until cures, genetic or
otherwise, are available, the development of other treatments is
necessary. Neuroprotection, the use of agents called neuron survival
or neurotrophic agents are being used to delay neuronal dysfunction
in an attempt to maintain the highest possible integrity of cellular
interactions.
In neurodegenerative diseases oxidative DNA damage is a
re-occurring phenomenon. It can be triggered by upstream
mechanisms that include genetic defects or lack of neurotrophic
support. In order to help the cell survival mechanisms, growth factors
and cytokines have been used in RP research since the 1980’s. These
studies showed that the progression of photoreceptor decay can be
delayed in animal models carrying different photoreceptor mutations.
The human clinical trial using encapsulated cells producing CNTF has
been completed.
Because oxidative stress mechanisms play a crucial role in
neurodegeneration, research using free radical trappers, including
combinations of antioxidants, have been shown to delay
photoreceptor cell death in several animal models for RP, and soon a
human clinical study will conclude. Further research on molecules
involved in cell death, like Calpain and PARP, has shown that the
inhibition of these, and other active molecules, may induce expression
or increase the stability of neuroprotective genes and proteins that are
not directly related to the pathological mechanism.
New Therapies for Dry AMD: Francesco Bandello, Milan
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of the disease and
accounts for 90% of all AMD diagnosed. The advanced atrophic stage
is also defined as geographic atrophy. Although hypertension,
smoking, alcohol, cholesterol levels and genetic variation in gene
coding for complement factor H and LOC387715 are general risk
factors for AMD no specific genetic or systemic factors have been
identified for GA. While currently there is no available therapy for dry
AMD clinical trials have been evaluating different approaches
including brimonidine, sirolimus, fluocinolone acetonide, fenretinide,
anti-factor D antibody, complement factor 5 inhibition, and OT-551.
6. Research
Clinical Trials for Wet AMD
A leading gene therapy company in Oxford has announced that its
application has been accepted to undertake human clinical trials of
RetinoStat. This is a novel gene based treatment for wet AMD. It was
developed by Oxford BioMedica using proprietary vector gene delivery
technology. 18 patients with AMD will be enrolled and the study, led by
Professor Peter Campochiaro, will evaluate three dose levels and
assess safety aspects of visual acuity and ocular physiology.
The incidence of AMD is expected to triple by 2025 and neovascular
or ’wet’ AMD accounts for the majority of all severe vision loss from
the disease. RetinoStat delivers two anti-angiogenic genes, endostatin
and angiostatin, directly to the retina and aims to preserve and
improve the vision of patients through anti-angiogenesis which blocks
the formation of new blood vessels. On the basis of pre-clinical data it
is anticipated that RetinoStat will require only a single administration
which would give the product a significant advantage in the market
over currently available treatments that often require repeated
administration.
This is the first clinical study to directly administer lentiviral
vector-based treatment to patients. Oxford BioMedica hopes that this
regulatory endorsement for their platform technology will also support
the development path for a number of other lentiviral vector-based
products. They look forward to progressing all four of their gene based
ocular products into clinical development by the end of 2011.
7. Merlot Study
Merlot: A Study of Epimacular Brachytherapy for AMD: Radiation
Surgery for Wet AMD
Retinal surgeons in the UK are trialling a new treatment for wet AMD
called epimacular brachytherapy. The treatment involves a targeted
dose of radiation that is designed to kill the new blood vessels that
cause wet AMD. Unlike standard treatments which usually have to be
injected into the eye on a regular basis, the new treatment is designed
as a one off treatment. Patients may still need some further treatment
with Lucentis or Avastin, but preliminary results suggest that the need
for these is reduced or they are no longer required. Surgery is done as
a day-case operation, and this is followed by monthly monitoring
appointments. Not all wet AMD patients are suited to this operation.
The procedure is still under investigation within a clinical trial, the
MERLOT trial. Information about this study is available on their
website www.merlotstudy.com
This information obtained from ’Side View’, the newsletter of the
Macular Disease Society, UK, Summer 2010.
8. Prevention of Autosomal Dominant RP by Systemic Drug Therapy
Up to 40% 0f autosomal dominant cases of RP are caused by
mutations within the rhodopsin. At least 30 mutations give rise to
proteins that cause disease pathology by misfolding and aggregation.
Given the genetic complexity of this disease therapies that
simultaneously target multiple mutations are of substantial logistic
and economic significance. A murine model of RP10 involving the
expression of an Arg224Pro mutation within the IMPDH1 gene shows
treatment
with
the
low
molecular
weight
drug,
17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), an ansamycin
antibiotic that binds to heat shock protein Hsp90, activates a heat
shock response in mammalian cells, and protects photoreceptors
against degeneration induced by aggregating mutant IMPDH1 protein.
Systemic delivery of this low molecular weight drug to the retina is
being facilitated by RNA interference-mediated modulation of the inner
blood retina barrier. 17-AAG has an orphan drug status and is in
current clinical use for the treatment of non-ocular diseases. This data
shows that a single low molecular weight drug has the potential to
suppress a wide range of mutant proteins causing RP.
9. Treating Colour Blindness With Gene Therapy Shifts Long Held
Beliefs
Recent research has demonstrated that colour blindness may be
cured by a simple sub-retinal injection of the genetic sequence for the
missing photo-pigment. A research team at the University of
Washington have shown that colour blind animals are capable of
colour discrimination within 20 weeks of treatment. This research adds
optimism to the field of gene therapy for other retinal disorders but
also suggests an encouraging level of plasticity in how the brain
manages new information. Colour vision allows us to interpret the
world around us and ‘defines’ the human experience. It is complex
because the sensation of colour and fine acuity vision involves an
array of highly differentiated and specialised cell types communicating
with the cerebral cortex.
Red-green colour blindness is a condition brought about through
disruption of either the long L– or the middle M– wavelength sensitive
visual photopigments found in cone photoreceptors. These
photopigments are found concatenated head-to-tail along the X
chromosome, this explaining in part why the condition affects 3-8% of
males but only 1% of females. Heterozygous carrier females are
estimated at about 15% of the Caucasian population.
The research was not aimed at developing a gene based therapeutic
for the treatment of human colour blindness but to develop the
principle of gene therapy for correcting a genetic fault in the retina.
The research group genetically engineered a copy of the human
L-opsin gene (OPN1LW) and packaged the transcript into the
recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) genome. Researchers
treated colour blind adult squirrel monkeys who were colour blind
from birth with three sequential sub-retinal injections in different areas
of the retina. Prior to the treatment the animals were trained to perform
a computer based colour vision test and control baseline results were
built up in a year of testing.
Twenty weeks after administration the results clearly demonstrated a
change in the spectral sensitivity of a subset of the cone cell
population. Following treatment the animals were colour tested again
and showed an improved threshold for blue-green and red-violet
wavelengths. Therefore, the animals had gained trichromatic vision as
soon as the new gene was producing opsin protein. This improvement
has remained stable for more than two years.
As curing colour blindness is almost identical to what needs to be
done to cure blindness, this work is seen as a major step forward in
that direction. The research team are now looking at achromatopsis
(without colour), and are planning to restore the missing or defective
photoreceptor components to the healthy retina.
10. Quotes: It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life
that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself:
Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882
Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living: Einstein
11. Walking Into the Light
Rob Matthews, James Logue, Zane Bartlett and guide Reilly Smith
walked the Queen Charlotte Track at Labour Weekend 2010 to raise
money for the New Zealand inherited retinal disorders database. They
raised over $13,000 with sponsorship money still coming in.
Fundraising for the database is still continuing, with a tennis
tournament proposed in the near future.
12. My Life With AMD by Alison Wilson
Noticing little humps or hollows on the ground when out walking late
in November 2000 made Alison realise she had a vision problem
affecting one eye. She visited her optometrist who rang several
ophthalmologists trying to get an “urgent appointment”. Alison was
disappointed to discover that the earliest appointment available was in
early February by which time her left eye had a large patch of active
grey froth when she looked at faces.
When she did visit the ophthalmologist he commented that her vision
loss was very likely to spread to the other eye and there was nothing
he could do about it. On returning home she and her husband decided
they had never travelled, and would do so now while one eye was still
working! Using the internet to put together an itinerary and book
accommodation in youth hostels and cheap hotels they flew out
initially to Vancouver to visit a long lost cousin. They then travelled to
Seattle where they joined a cruise to Alaska. Alison quickly learnt to
make the most of her peripheral vision spotting local wildlife such as
whales, porpoises and hundreds of orca. She says the highlights were
seeing eagles, bears and raccoons. She and her husband kayaked
among ice floes, and tramped to catch sight of a moose.
Catching the Rocky Mountaineer to Banff, they then flew to Calgary
and on to Toronto and Montreal. They soon discovered that many of
the cheap hotels and hostels were at the top of long hills and were
reluctant to spend their money on taxis. Alison and Ian walked
everywhere and commented that they got extremely fit. One of the
highlights of their visit to Montreal was being present at the graduation
performance of the Montreal Circus School.
Their next stop was Paris and a tour of Eastern France with a family
friend. Sampling the wonderful local cuisine, they also visited
Chartres, Bordeaux, and the reproduction of the Lascaux Caves-the
originals are closed to visitors due to the damage tourists have done,
although one can still apply for a guided tour. Two weeks in
Switzerland travelling on cable cars, attending a jazz festival in
Lucerne and seeing a choir singing at Basel railway station was some
compensation for their need to budget on food.
Alison and Ian then travelled to Rome and followed this by catching up
with family in Britain. Their journey took four months, and they arrived
home just before the bombing of the world trade towers. Alison says
“my left eye still works and we have had several shorter trips since”.
Alison is a member of the Kapiti VIP Group
13. Coping: Gadgets-each has a separate heading below
14. Apple iPad
The Apple iPad comes with standard accessibility features that allow
vision impaired people to experience its full range of features. It has a
screen reader, support for playback of closed-captioned content, and
there is no additional software to be installed. Like the iPhone the iPad
includes VoiceOver, the world’s first gesture-based screen reader for
the blind. Instead of memorising keyboard commands or pressing tiny
arrow keys, you simply touch the screen to hear a description of the
item under your finger, then double-tap, drag or flick to control the
iPad. VoiceOver speaks over 30 languages, and works with all the
applications built into iPad. Apple also enables software developers to
create applications for iPad that work with VoiceOver.
Voiceover also features a virtual control called the rotor. To use it
rotate two fingers on the screen as if you were turning a dial changes
the way VoiceOver moves through a webpage based on settings you
choose. For example, a flick up or down might let you move through a
webpage by header, link or image. You can add settings to the web
rotor such as lists, tables, text fields and buttons. This rotor is now
visible for sighted users who can help the blind and vision impaired
set it up to their personal preferences.
Zoom on iPad lets you magnify the entire screen of any application.
Zoom up to five times the normal size and move left, right, up and
down to view any portion of the screen close up. Zoom works
everywhere including home, unlock and Spotlight screens and with
every application, including those extras you purchase from the
application store. In addition to Zoom a new large font feature in iPad
lets you further increase the font size of key elements in mail, contacts,
notes and messages.
If you also have hearing problems you can access Mono Audio; you
can tap a checkbox which sends right and left channel audio into both
headphones so you can hear both channels in either ear. Every iPad
can display subtitles and closed captioning for the deaf and hard of
hearing when playing movies, streaming live HTTP video, or viewing
podcasts that support it. Movies and podcasts with closed captioning
are available from the iTunes store and can be directly downloaded to
iPad.
If you want higher contrast iPad lets you change the display to white
on black. The white on black feature can be used in any application,
and with Zoom and VoiceOver. You can set up iPad to access the
accessibility features instantly, or set it to ask which display options
you want to access at any one time.
This
information
was
downloaded
from
www.apple.com/ipad/features/accessibilty
15. Colour Identifiers
Colour identifiers are hand held devices that tell you the colour of
whatever item you are pointing them at. They can be used to identify
the colour of your clothing, files or paper in the office, balls of wool or
the colour of food items. There are currently two types of colour
identifiers available. One is highly sophisticated and is called the
ColorTest. It is very accurate and provides detailed descriptions of
colours, for example ’olive green with shades of blue’.. It even breaks
down the colour to shades of luminosity, hue and saturation. The
ColorTest must be purchased directly from Austria at www.caretec.at
and is priced at over $A1000.
Another type of colour identifier is called the Colour Detector. It is not
as accurate as the ColourTest when it comes to identifying very dark
colours such as distinguishing between dark navy blue and black.
However it does provide basic descriptions of colours, for example
‘very light blue’ or ‘olive green’. It is priced at $A250.
The Colour Detector is available for purchase online from Vision
Australia at www.visionaustralia.org.au
A colour detector is also available from the RNZFB equipment shop for
$389 for non-members and $307 for members.
16. Columbus Talking Compass
The Robotron Columbus is a hand-held compass with speech output.
The four major compass points of north, south, east and west are
spoken, as are the interim points north-east, north-west, south-east
and south west. The user orients the compass in the required direction
and queries the compass by pressing a button. The appropriate
compass point is then spoken.
Any major world language is available and new languages or
personalised voices can be added. The current lists includes Czech,
Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish. The
compass is battery operated, using two N sized batteries. It has a wrist
strap which is designed to give the user instant access to the device
while retaining freedom of hand movement. There is a 3 position
switch on the side of the compass one of which is off, and the other
positions correspond to the two languages installed initially. This is a
popular and reliable tool for people with a vision impairment that can
assist in orientation and mobility. It costs $A150.
To purchase contact Robotron on info@sensorytools.com
17. Audible Light Sensor
This is a small, black, handheld device for detecting if lights are on or
off. It will detect everything from ceiling lights to small LED lights on
appliances by emitting different tones. This device can also be used to
detect which side of the paper writing is on when scanning, faxing or
photocopying.
The audible light sensor is powered by 12 volt alkaline batteries. It fits
easily into the palm of your hand. The light sensor extends from the
unit so it can be placed over small LED lights so you know if an
appliance has been left on. A small button below the sensor is pressed
to activate the light probe and a high pitched tone means the light is on
while a low pitch is off. These LED indicators come in a variety of
colours, the most common being red, green and yellow. Red is the
loudest tone when the sensor is in use, followed by green and yellow.
To detect which is the printed side of a piece of paper the sensor is
held against the full length of a page. A constant tone means a blank
page while a wavering tone indicates there is print on the page. This
feature can take a while to get used to.
Another practical use for the audible light sensor is testing the TV,
VCR and stereo remote control units. The unit will pick up the invisible
infra-red ray they emit. The light sensor is placed at the tip of the
remote control and then the on/off button is held while pressing one of
the buttons on the remote. A tone is produced by the audible light
sensor each time a remote button is pressed, a very good way of
testing the battery in your remote.
The main disadvantages of this light sensor are that battery changing
is not easy, it requires a Phillips screwdriver, and it does not vibrate.
The audible light sensor is available from Vision Australia on
www.visionaustralia.org.au and costs $A67.
18. Distance Viewing Aids
Distance magnification aids such as monoculars and binoculars are
used for viewing print and objects in the distance such as TV,
pedestrian signals, train indicator boards, whiteboards, screen
presentations, cinemas, concerts and sporting events.
The magnification level of monoculars and binoculars are specified by
two numbers, e.g. 8x20. This shows us that the telescope has 8x
magnification and a 20mm diameter front lens. As the magnification of
the distance viewing aid increases the area seen through the device
(the field of view) decreases. Because of the reduced field of view
pinpointing the object you are looking for will take practice.
Monoculars
Monoculars are for use with one eye. They are more portable because
they are lighter and smaller. These are particularly suitable if the
person has useful vision in only one eye. They can be mounted in
spectacle frames for hands free use. The close focus monoculars can
be used to see objects and reading materials at both longer ranges,
such as for street signs, and closer distances, such as books.
Using a Monocular
If you use glasses put them on first (unless otherwise instructed).
Position yourself to face the object you wish to view. Use landmarks
(perhaps a tree in the foreground) to help pinpoint the object. Hold the
monocular with the rubber end as close as possible to your better eye,
but without actually touching it. If you are wearing glasses the rubber
end of the monocular should be folded down and rest the monocular
lightly against the glasses. Steady the monocular with your other
hand. Focus the monocular by using your steadying hand to turn the
ridged barrel until the object becomes clear. If the object remains
blurry continue to turn the barrel back in the other direction. Practice
focussing on objects at different distances until you become more
proficient.
Binoculars
These are for use with both eyes. They may be preferable if both eyes
have useful vision. However, they are heavier and can be more difficult
to use and keep steady in your hands.
Using Binoculars
If you use distance glasses put them on unless otherwise instructed.
Position yourself to face the object you want to view. Use landmarks to
help pinpoint the object. Remove the covers from the eyepiece and
place the binoculars with the rubber sections as close as possible to
your eyes. If you are wearing glasses rest the binoculars lightly
against them. You may need to adjust the lenses so you can see with
both eyes at the same time. Focus the binoculars by turning the ridged
dial at the centre of the nosepiece. If the object becomes blurred you
are turning the dial in the wrong direction or may have turned it too far.
If the object is becoming clearer keep turning the dial until clear.
Practice focussing on objects at different distances until you become
proficient.
Information downloaded from www.visionaustralia.org
19. Save Our Sight Website www.saveoursight.co.nz
This new website offers some very useful information and links on eye
health. The ‘About Eyes’ section has information on colour vision,
astigmatism, presbyopia and myopia among others. Each information
section can be expanded to link to other information about the
condition. A section on eye disease covers the main areas such as
diabetes, cataracts and AMD, and again links to further information. By
clicking on a tab to the right near the top users can locate an
optometrist in their town or city. The home page also offers quick links
on subjects as diverse as UV, vision and age, protecting the eye, and
vision and learning. Please check out this website, it provides some
very comprehensive information.
20. Zoomtext Express
Zoomtext Express is an affordable screen magnifier designed for
those who squint at the computer screen and lean in close to read fine
print. It magnifies up to 2 times so that hard to read text is larger,
clearer, and easier to see. You can also apply a soft tint to white areas
of the screen or reverse colours to eliminate blinding glare. Zoomtext
Express lets you adjust the size and colour of the pointer and apply
eye-catching locators to the cursor to make it easier to follow. This is
the replacement product for Zoomware, and includes additional
features and new improvements to enhance your computer
experience. You can download a free trial of Zoomtext Express, and
the aisquared website offers a video on using this enhanced
programme.
Information downloaded from
www.aisquared.com/zoomtextexpress
21. Famous People With A Vision Impairment
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642): An Italian astronomer, mathematician,
physicist and philosopher, he played a large part in the scientific
revolution. Some of his accomplishments include improvements to the
telescope, accelerated motion, and astronomical observations. He
also improved compass design. His sight started to deteriorate at the
age of 68 and eventually led to complete blindness.
John Stanley (1712-1786): He was an English composer and organist.
Blind from an early age, he studied music and held a number of
appointments in London. A friend of Handel, he continued the series of
oratorio concerts Handel had established.
22. Branch News
Kapiti VIPs
Over the last six months the Kapiti VIPs have continued to meet on the
third Monday of each month in the Kapiti Community Centre. They
have enjoyed a mid-winter Christmas lunch, and have hosted various
speakers whose topics have included: improving the lighting in your
home, travelling as a blind person and how my family dealt with my
diagnosis of AMD. The group has hosted an RNZFB equipment
display, and had an end of year Christmas lunch. Attendance at the
meetings has ranged from 26-31 people, and approximately 40 people
enjoyed the two lunches. New members are most welcome to express
their interest in attending a meeting by phoning Sue on 04 298 4028 or
Heather on 04 298 7304.
Waikanae VIPs
This group had its first meeting in May 2010, 19 people attended. They
meet on the first Monday of each month (with adjustments being made
for public holidays), at the Pop In Centre in Mahara Place.
A similar number of people have attended each subsequent meeting
and guest speakers have included those from ‘Driving Miss Daisy’,
Age Concern, the RNZFB speaking about counselling and exercise,
and a demonstration of equipment by Adaptive Technology Solutions.
These meetings were enjoyed by all who attended.
If you would be interested in attending a meeting of the Waikanae VIPs
please phone Genevieve on 04 293 6158 or Sue on 04 293 5174.
New Groups
If you are interested in setting up a VIP group in your area similar to the
ones above could you please contact in the first instance Petronella on
0800 233 833. You will receive help and support to arrange the initial
meetings.
23. For Sale
Aladdin Classic CCTV Reader
Purchased in 2003, this CCTV has had very little use. All manuals and
documentation are available and the asking price is $900. The seller
lives in Auckland, and is happy for the reader to be viewed before
purchase. Her contact phone number is 09 528 4905 or email at
karen.cleary@gmail.com
24. Notices
Meeting To Be Held in Nelson
Retina New Zealand will hold a regional meeting in Nelson on Saturday
the 12th of March 2011 at The Hearing House, 354 Trafalgar Square.
The meeting will commence at 1.30pm. The President and members of
the executive of Retina NZ will be in attendance. A local optometrist,
Rebecca Cooke, will speak about sight loss issues and low vision aids.
The meeting will conclude at 3pm with afternoon tea and the
opportunity to mix and mingle. Anyone with a sight loss issue, or their
family and friends, are very welcome to attend this meeting. Email
inquiries about this meeting should be sent to retina@retina.org.nz If
you wish to attend this meeting please let us know for catering
purposes by telephoning Petronella or Elizabeth on 0800 233 833 by
Tuesday the 8th of March.
Dunedin Meeting
The Dunedin Branch of Retina NZ will be hosting a meeting on
Saturday the 19th of February at the RNZFB offices, corner of Hillside
Rd and Law St, South Dunedin, at 1.30pm. The guest speaker is Dr
Andrew Thompson who is a retinal eye specialist working at Dunedin
Hospital. He will speak about macular degeneration and progress on
its treatment. There will be plenty of time for questions following
Andrew’s presentation. Following this a discussion on the need for an
ongoing support group for the visually impaired in Dunedin will be
held. The meeting will conclude with refreshments and time for a chat.
If you wish to attend could you please phone Petronella on 0800 233
833 by Tuesday the 15th of February for catering purposes.
New Digital Talking Book Players
Many of you will have now received a new digital talking book player
from the RNZFB. At this stage the Retina NZ newsletter will still be
recorded on a 2 track cassette tape. This is due to the high cost of
recording to CD. While it is hoped that the newsletters will be digitally
recorded in the future we have been asked to inform members that if
they do not have an ordinary tape cassette player could they please
keep their old talking book machine so they can continue to listen to
this newsletter on tape.
Retina Australia Congress
The triennial Retina Australia Congress is to be held on the 20th and
21st of October 2012 at the NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St,
Sydney. Accommodation will be arranged in that area of the city. The
keynote speaker will be Professor Robin Ali of Moorfields Hospital in
London. Other speakers will be advised over the next 10 months as
they become available.
25. Book Review
Eating For Eye Health: The Macular Degeneration Cookbook by Ita
Buttrose and Vanessa Jones; New Holland Publishers, 2009.
Ita Buttrose is patron of the MD Foundation in Australia, and with a
family history of the disease has worked with a young chef, Vanessa
Jones, to bring to reality this book of recipes for eye health. Vanessa
has concentrated on the preferred ingredients for eye health in her
recipes and many include salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
and lutein-rich spinach. She asks that those using the recipes use a
good quality extra virgin olive oil, and has included options for
cholesterol watchers also.
The recipe section opens with ideas for snacks, has breakfast ideas,
and a large section on using leafy greens. Each section has hints and
tips and notes on the best way to cook the varying ingredients.
Recipes for salmon and other fish such as trout, oysters and mussels
are followed by stunning vegetable recipes, and meals for those with
little time to cook. Dessert recipes, mostly with a fruit base, are
followed by a beverages section. The book concludes with information
on the nutrient content of common foods and some facts about MD.
I purchased this book from my local bookshop for $30 and have found
it useful, though the small light print does not make it easy to read.
Below is one of the recipes from the dessert section of this book.
Apple and Raspberry Crumble
6 ripe green apples peeled and diced
125ml of water
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 punnet raspberries
100g butter
1/3 cup honey
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Pre–heat the oven to 180C. Place apples, water and sugar in saucepan
and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fold in the raspberries,
and spoon into 6 ceramic bowls. To make the crumble melt the butter
and honey in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the oats
and seeds and mix together. Completely cover the fruit with the
mixture and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Mission Statement
To promote public awareness of retinal degenerative disorders;
To provide information and support; and to foster research leading to
treatment and an eventual cure
Editor
Susan Mellsopp
108B Comries Rd
Hamilton
Ph: 07 8533 612
Email: editor@retina.org.nz
Peer Support Coordinator
Membership Officer
Elizabeth East
Email: membership@retina.org.nz
PO Box 2232 Raumati Beach 5255
Phone: 04 299 1801
Please note: The deadline for articles for the autumn issue is April
15th 2011
To order:
Email Newsletters: Please ring 0800 233 833 if you would like your
newsletter emailed to you
Tape Newsletters : Please ring 0800 233 833 if you require your
newsletter on cassette tape and advise if you also require a print copy
If you wish to contact Retina NZ please use the above contact details
or ring us on 0800 233 833 or email as above
Publications
Coping with some sight loss or a degenerative retinal condition
Supporting people with retinal degenerative disorders
Detached Retina-a matter of urgency
Take the Amsler Test-a self testing card for early detection of macular
degeneration
Members can obtain these brochures free from the Membership Officer
by ringing and requesting the ones you require. A charge is made to
non-members to cover printing and postage.
Retina New Zealand Inc is grateful to the Royal New Zealand
Foundation of the Blind for funding the printing of this newsletter
Retina New Zealand would like to thank the New Zealand Lottery
Grants Board and the New Zealand Community Trust for helping to
fund this newsletter.
Do You Need Help or Advice?
The Retina NZ Peer Support programme is a free and confidential
service operating nationwide. To make contact with one of Retina New
Zealand’s peer supporters telephone 0800 233 833. All calls are
treated in strictest confidence.
Ring any of the following free-phone numbers if you want to speak to a
geneticist or genetic counsellor about your own diagnosis of RP,
macular degeneration or other retinal degenerative disorders.
Auckland Genetic Hotline (Northern Regional Genetic Service)
0800 476 123 or 09 307 4949 ext 25870
Wellington Genetic Hotline
0508 364 436 or 04 385 5310
Christchurch Genetic Hotline 0508 364 436 or 03 379 1898