Thursday, May 1, 2008
psychology of a blind child
A child sighted or blind is born into this world with all the building blocks for what they can become. This physical material is impacted by the child’senvironment over a life time while the “self” evolves. The self is the same in blind children as it is in the sighted, only the developmental process isdifferent. Both children have the same starting materials: mind, body, and spirit. With these parts the child develops a process of thinking, feeling,and behaving toward other people, objects and situations, and they recognize that others also think, feel and behave in their environment. It is with theirthoughts, emotions, and actions that children relate to their world using physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and moralistic attributes and throughthis interrelationship the self evolves. The self is everything that exists in a person’s unique world and it exists because of their self-concept andself-esteem. Aspects of self-concept are the elements of well-being that assists our survival in our environment. They consist of all the physical things,our personality, feelings toward life, our knowledge and problem solving techniques, how we successfully interface with others; and our social and spiritualvalues in life. If our self-concept contains the important things, and issues in life, and there is a high regard for them, then our self will evolve ina manner conducive to peace and harmony. If not, the opposite will occur. The blind child must build a self with a missing part. Granted self will evolvefor a blind child, but it must be augmented by all other senses of the body in order to enhance the mind and spirit. A blind child’s thoughts, feelings,and behaviors serve the same purpose as they do for a sighted child, but will evolve differently. The physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and moralconcepts are necessary, but are obtained without the benefit of the automatic process of seeing. The self evolves but the conduit for inputting their environment
what is blind?
INFORMATION ABOUT BLINDNESS
The term blind does not necessarily mean complete loss of sight, but could also describe varying degrees of functional vision. Over 90% of individuals whoare blind have some remaining vision which can be used for a variety of tasks such as reading or travel. With the use of adaptive techniques, other sensoryinformation or special equipment, most persons who are blind or visually impaired can remain independent.
The incidence of blindness is increasing primarily because people are living longer. Major causes of visual impairment are macular degeneration, diabeticretinopathy, glaucoma, and, to a lesser degree, cataracts.
Extend the same courtesies and respect to persons who are blind or visually impaired that you would to anyone you meet.
The term blind does not necessarily mean complete loss of sight, but could also describe varying degrees of functional vision. Over 90% of individuals whoare blind have some remaining vision which can be used for a variety of tasks such as reading or travel. With the use of adaptive techniques, other sensoryinformation or special equipment, most persons who are blind or visually impaired can remain independent.
The incidence of blindness is increasing primarily because people are living longer. Major causes of visual impairment are macular degeneration, diabeticretinopathy, glaucoma, and, to a lesser degree, cataracts.
Extend the same courtesies and respect to persons who are blind or visually impaired that you would to anyone you meet.
tips to meet a blind person
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Photo of a young man standing in an office holding a white cane.
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
Some people may feel uneasy when thinking about assisting a person who is blind or visually impaired. Listed below are some helpful suggestions.
Bullet Identify yourself.
Bullet Speak in a normal and comfortable tone. Do not shout. Most persons who are blind can hear well.
Bullet Look at and speak directly to the person, not to a third party.
Bullet Remember that nods, shrugs and gestures may not be noticed as clues to what you are conveying.
Bullet Do not avoid words like blind, look, or see. These words are part of everyday conversation.
Bullet Feel free to discuss and attend movies or sporting events with persons who are blind or visually impaired. They enjoy common activities as much as anyone.
Remember that persons who are blind choose the areas of their lives in which to remain independent and the areas in which they welcome assistance.
WHEN YOU GUIDE A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
The Sighted Guide Technique is popularly accepted as the safest, most efficient way for a person with a visual impairment to walk with a sighted person.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane who holds her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify yourself and ask if assistance is needed.
Bullet Let the person take your arm just above your elbow with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other pointing straight ahead. You can guide with eitherthe right or the left arm, which can either hang straight at your side or bend at the elbow.
Bullet The person follows a half step behind you at a pace which is comfortable for both of you.
Bullet To sit, bring the person into contact with the chair. Describe which way the chair faces.
Bullet Say right and left when giving directions based on the way the person is facing.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane, walking up steps. He is holding onto her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify steps, curbs, or other obstacles.
Bullet Inform the person if you need to leave. Put the person in contact with an object such as a wall or piece of furniture.
Bullet Do not pet, feed or distract a dog guide from doing its job.
Photo of a young man standing in an office holding a white cane.
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
Some people may feel uneasy when thinking about assisting a person who is blind or visually impaired. Listed below are some helpful suggestions.
Bullet Identify yourself.
Bullet Speak in a normal and comfortable tone. Do not shout. Most persons who are blind can hear well.
Bullet Look at and speak directly to the person, not to a third party.
Bullet Remember that nods, shrugs and gestures may not be noticed as clues to what you are conveying.
Bullet Do not avoid words like blind, look, or see. These words are part of everyday conversation.
Bullet Feel free to discuss and attend movies or sporting events with persons who are blind or visually impaired. They enjoy common activities as much as anyone.
Remember that persons who are blind choose the areas of their lives in which to remain independent and the areas in which they welcome assistance.
WHEN YOU GUIDE A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
The Sighted Guide Technique is popularly accepted as the safest, most efficient way for a person with a visual impairment to walk with a sighted person.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane who holds her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify yourself and ask if assistance is needed.
Bullet Let the person take your arm just above your elbow with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other pointing straight ahead. You can guide with eitherthe right or the left arm, which can either hang straight at your side or bend at the elbow.
Bullet The person follows a half step behind you at a pace which is comfortable for both of you.
Bullet To sit, bring the person into contact with the chair. Describe which way the chair faces.
Bullet Say right and left when giving directions based on the way the person is facing.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane, walking up steps. He is holding onto her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify steps, curbs, or other obstacles.
Bullet Inform the person if you need to leave. Put the person in contact with an object such as a wall or piece of furniture.
Bullet Do not pet, feed or distract a dog guide from doing its job.
what is sighted person?
What To Do When You Meet A Sighted Person (Author Unknown)
People who use their eyes to receive information about the world are called sighted people or "people who are sighted." Legal "sight" means any visual acuitygreater then 20/200 in the better eye without correction or an angle of vision wider than 20 degrees. Sighted people enjoy rich full lives, working, playing,and raising families. They run businesses, hold public office, and teach your children!
How do Sighted People Get Around? People who are sighted may walk or ride public transportation, but most choose to travel long distances by operating theirown motor vehicles. They have gone through many hours of training to learn the "rules of the road" in order to further their independence. Once that roadto freedom has been mastered, sighted people earn a legal classification and a "Driver's License" which allows them to operate a private vehicle safelyand independently.
How Do You Assist A Sighted Person? Sighted people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms. This means that in many situations, they will notbe able to communicate orally and may resort to pointing or other gesturing. Subtle facial expressions may also be used to convey feelings in social situations.Calmly alert the sighted person to his surroundings by speaking slowly, in a normal tone of voice. Questions directed at the sighted person help focusattention back on the verbal rather than visual communication.
At times, sighted people may need help finding things, especially when operating a motor vehicle. Your advance knowledge of routes and landmarks, particularlybumps in the road, tums, and traffic lights, will assist the "driver" in finding the way quickly and easily. Your knowledge of building layouts can alsoassist the sighted person in navigating complex shopping malls, and offices. Sighted people tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance.Be gentle yet firm.
How Do Sighted People Use Computers? The person who is sighted relies exclusively on visual information. His or her attention span fades quickly when readinglong texts. Computer information is presented in a "Graphical User Interface" or GUI. Coordination of hands and eyes is often a problem for sighted people,so the computer mouse, a handy device that slides along the desk top, saves confusing keystrokes. With one button, the sighted person can move around hisor her computer screen quickly and easily. People who are sighted are not accustomed to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty understanding eventhe clearest synthesizer. Be patient and prepared to explain many times how your computer equipment works.
How Do Sighted People Read? Sighted people read through a system called "Print" this is a series of images drawn in a two dimensional plain. People whoare sighted generally have a poorly developed sense of touch. Braille is completely foreign to the sighted person and he or she will take longer to learnthe code and be severely limited by his or her existing visual senses.
Sighted people cannot function well in low lighting conditions and are generally completely helpless in total darkness. Their homes are usually very brightlylit at great expense, as are businesses that cater to the sighted consumer.
How Can I Support A Sighted Person? People who are sighted do not want your charity. They want to live, work, and play along with you. The best thing youcan do to support sighted people in your community is to open yourself to their world. These are vital contributing members to society. Takea sighted person to lunch today!
People who use their eyes to receive information about the world are called sighted people or "people who are sighted." Legal "sight" means any visual acuitygreater then 20/200 in the better eye without correction or an angle of vision wider than 20 degrees. Sighted people enjoy rich full lives, working, playing,and raising families. They run businesses, hold public office, and teach your children!
How do Sighted People Get Around? People who are sighted may walk or ride public transportation, but most choose to travel long distances by operating theirown motor vehicles. They have gone through many hours of training to learn the "rules of the road" in order to further their independence. Once that roadto freedom has been mastered, sighted people earn a legal classification and a "Driver's License" which allows them to operate a private vehicle safelyand independently.
How Do You Assist A Sighted Person? Sighted people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms. This means that in many situations, they will notbe able to communicate orally and may resort to pointing or other gesturing. Subtle facial expressions may also be used to convey feelings in social situations.Calmly alert the sighted person to his surroundings by speaking slowly, in a normal tone of voice. Questions directed at the sighted person help focusattention back on the verbal rather than visual communication.
At times, sighted people may need help finding things, especially when operating a motor vehicle. Your advance knowledge of routes and landmarks, particularlybumps in the road, tums, and traffic lights, will assist the "driver" in finding the way quickly and easily. Your knowledge of building layouts can alsoassist the sighted person in navigating complex shopping malls, and offices. Sighted people tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance.Be gentle yet firm.
How Do Sighted People Use Computers? The person who is sighted relies exclusively on visual information. His or her attention span fades quickly when readinglong texts. Computer information is presented in a "Graphical User Interface" or GUI. Coordination of hands and eyes is often a problem for sighted people,so the computer mouse, a handy device that slides along the desk top, saves confusing keystrokes. With one button, the sighted person can move around hisor her computer screen quickly and easily. People who are sighted are not accustomed to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty understanding eventhe clearest synthesizer. Be patient and prepared to explain many times how your computer equipment works.
How Do Sighted People Read? Sighted people read through a system called "Print" this is a series of images drawn in a two dimensional plain. People whoare sighted generally have a poorly developed sense of touch. Braille is completely foreign to the sighted person and he or she will take longer to learnthe code and be severely limited by his or her existing visual senses.
Sighted people cannot function well in low lighting conditions and are generally completely helpless in total darkness. Their homes are usually very brightlylit at great expense, as are businesses that cater to the sighted consumer.
How Can I Support A Sighted Person? People who are sighted do not want your charity. They want to live, work, and play along with you. The best thing youcan do to support sighted people in your community is to open yourself to their world. These are vital contributing members to society. Takea sighted person to lunch today!
tips to meet a blind person
* Practical Hints for Relating to a Blind Person
1. Before you decide that a blind person is confused, be sure it isn't due only to lack of orientation. Do not "over-assist". Check before providingunnecessary, and unwanted, help.
2. A blind person doesn't have to "save" their remaining vision. Eyes cannot be weakened or damaged by normal use.
3. Don't be overprotective. Encourage the blind person should do as much as possible by himself, and for himself.
4. Identify yourself upon entering and exiting a room or area. It is very embarrassing to discover that you are "talking to yourself", thinking someoneis in the room with you or to be frightened when discovering that you are not alone.
5. Eliminate the use of the words "over there" and "over here". Preface the directional words "left" and "right" with the word "your"...
6. Write notes with black felt-tip pen on white paper or use audio cassettes for messages.
7. Allow the blind person to make contact with the environment by placing their hand on a stable object when leaving them alone for a minute.
8. Don't be afraid to use the words "see", "watch", "look" or "I want to show you something". These are used in speech and their omission would be evident,making conversation unnatural and uncomfortable.
9. When you're in a blind person's room or home, leave items where they were placed. If you move them, it may be difficult to find them again.
10. When guiding a blind person, let him or her take your arm and follow you. DON'T push them ahead of you!!
11. Always talk directly to a blind person, not through the companion. He or she is quite able to talk for themselves.
1. Before you decide that a blind person is confused, be sure it isn't due only to lack of orientation. Do not "over-assist". Check before providingunnecessary, and unwanted, help.
2. A blind person doesn't have to "save" their remaining vision. Eyes cannot be weakened or damaged by normal use.
3. Don't be overprotective. Encourage the blind person should do as much as possible by himself, and for himself.
4. Identify yourself upon entering and exiting a room or area. It is very embarrassing to discover that you are "talking to yourself", thinking someoneis in the room with you or to be frightened when discovering that you are not alone.
5. Eliminate the use of the words "over there" and "over here". Preface the directional words "left" and "right" with the word "your"...
6. Write notes with black felt-tip pen on white paper or use audio cassettes for messages.
7. Allow the blind person to make contact with the environment by placing their hand on a stable object when leaving them alone for a minute.
8. Don't be afraid to use the words "see", "watch", "look" or "I want to show you something". These are used in speech and their omission would be evident,making conversation unnatural and uncomfortable.
9. When you're in a blind person's room or home, leave items where they were placed. If you move them, it may be difficult to find them again.
10. When guiding a blind person, let him or her take your arm and follow you. DON'T push them ahead of you!!
11. Always talk directly to a blind person, not through the companion. He or she is quite able to talk for themselves.
guideline to deal with a blind
How to Interact with Blind People by Stephanie Samuelson
This article highlights statistics, guide lines which may not appear to be in any logical order as they are all equally important and, further elaborationin that order. This article will address common issues and how to affectively communicate with blind people as well as give you insight about blind peopleas a whole.
Often, sighted people make it harder than it needs to be because when we are faced with the unfamiliar, it can appear like there is more difficulty tothe situation than there really is thus, leading to over estimation or under estimation of what is most efficient. Basically to effectively interact withblindpeople, simply apply effective communication and effective listening skills as well as the golden rule. Always aim to think of it from another perspective,the perspective that you are in that situation. It's most likely you, as a sighted individual, would want the same respect if you were a blind individual.This is logical because we as humans all want to be valued and respected.
UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
Did you know?76% of blind people are unemployed?40% of employed people with disabilities report said that they have encountered job discrimination?33% of employed people with disabilities report that they have encountered "unfavorable attitudes" toward their disabilities on the job?22% of employers cite supervisor/co-worker attitudes and stereotypes as a major barrier to employment & advancement of employees with disabilities?15% of non-disabled people report they do not feel comfortable working for, or nearby, a person with a disability?
It is no wonder that most places of employment are not effective at hiring/retaining employees with disabilities.
Steps1. Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently.Blind does not mean can't nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge.2. Bear in mind that blind people treat their dogs and canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract a work animal from their job or touch, moveor grab a cane without the owner's permission.Imagine if someone moved your keys once you've established a location in which you can readily and quickly retrieve them. That'd slow you down. Plus, it'spersonal property. The keys allow the sighted person to drive a car which is a mobility tool and the "cane" allows the blind individual to traveleffectively, independently and safely which also acts as a mobility tool.3. Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind.When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.Never talk to a third party who might be with them such as their driver or reader or teacher or tutor, etc. Remember, you are ADDRESSING, them.4. If you offer assistance; wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.Many blind people will accept help, however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them, and offer your arm, not your whole body.5. Never touch or grab a blind person in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.6. Never place an item in their pockets or grab an item of theirs in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.Remember they are blind, not quadriplegic.7. Do not clap point, repeat, or sing when attempting to guide a blind person. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.8. Be consistent and specific when you are describing things and giving directions.The more accuracy, the more consistency, the more direct and the more description you use, the more effective your interaction will be. Blind people respondto intelligence.9. Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things, etc.The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement.10. Do not shout just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual.Remember, they are blind, not deaf.11. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as "See you later" or "Did you hear about this?" that seems to relate to a person whois blind.Blind people use the same expressions.12. Avoid stigmatizing words such as handy-capped. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it. Many blindindividuals go as far to avoid the word disabled as it doesn't accurately describe them.They are simply blind; a physical challenge so blind is the word they prefer. It's nothing more, nothing less. They cope by adapting and/or using alternativemeans. There is nothing amazing about it.
TipsDon't Assume.Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through research.Spread the word.
WarningsIf you do not comply with the above guide lines, you could face legal or social Repercussions possibly concerning but not limited to:AssaultDiscriminationPrivacyProperty
Things You'll NeedEffective Communication SkillsEffective Listening SkillsPatientsSocial SkillsUnbiased Attitude
"hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our strength and courage."
This article highlights statistics, guide lines which may not appear to be in any logical order as they are all equally important and, further elaborationin that order. This article will address common issues and how to affectively communicate with blind people as well as give you insight about blind peopleas a whole.
Often, sighted people make it harder than it needs to be because when we are faced with the unfamiliar, it can appear like there is more difficulty tothe situation than there really is thus, leading to over estimation or under estimation of what is most efficient. Basically to effectively interact withblindpeople, simply apply effective communication and effective listening skills as well as the golden rule. Always aim to think of it from another perspective,the perspective that you are in that situation. It's most likely you, as a sighted individual, would want the same respect if you were a blind individual.This is logical because we as humans all want to be valued and respected.
UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
Did you know?76% of blind people are unemployed?40% of employed people with disabilities report said that they have encountered job discrimination?33% of employed people with disabilities report that they have encountered "unfavorable attitudes" toward their disabilities on the job?22% of employers cite supervisor/co-worker attitudes and stereotypes as a major barrier to employment & advancement of employees with disabilities?15% of non-disabled people report they do not feel comfortable working for, or nearby, a person with a disability?
It is no wonder that most places of employment are not effective at hiring/retaining employees with disabilities.
Steps1. Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently.Blind does not mean can't nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge.2. Bear in mind that blind people treat their dogs and canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract a work animal from their job or touch, moveor grab a cane without the owner's permission.Imagine if someone moved your keys once you've established a location in which you can readily and quickly retrieve them. That'd slow you down. Plus, it'spersonal property. The keys allow the sighted person to drive a car which is a mobility tool and the "cane" allows the blind individual to traveleffectively, independently and safely which also acts as a mobility tool.3. Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind.When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.Never talk to a third party who might be with them such as their driver or reader or teacher or tutor, etc. Remember, you are ADDRESSING, them.4. If you offer assistance; wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.Many blind people will accept help, however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them, and offer your arm, not your whole body.5. Never touch or grab a blind person in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.6. Never place an item in their pockets or grab an item of theirs in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.Remember they are blind, not quadriplegic.7. Do not clap point, repeat, or sing when attempting to guide a blind person. This is socially awkward.See step #4 for what to do.8. Be consistent and specific when you are describing things and giving directions.The more accuracy, the more consistency, the more direct and the more description you use, the more effective your interaction will be. Blind people respondto intelligence.9. Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things, etc.The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement.10. Do not shout just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual.Remember, they are blind, not deaf.11. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as "See you later" or "Did you hear about this?" that seems to relate to a person whois blind.Blind people use the same expressions.12. Avoid stigmatizing words such as handy-capped. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it. Many blindindividuals go as far to avoid the word disabled as it doesn't accurately describe them.They are simply blind; a physical challenge so blind is the word they prefer. It's nothing more, nothing less. They cope by adapting and/or using alternativemeans. There is nothing amazing about it.
TipsDon't Assume.Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction.Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through research.Spread the word.
WarningsIf you do not comply with the above guide lines, you could face legal or social Repercussions possibly concerning but not limited to:AssaultDiscriminationPrivacyProperty
Things You'll NeedEffective Communication SkillsEffective Listening SkillsPatientsSocial SkillsUnbiased Attitude
"hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our strength and courage."
bionic eye
Wednesday, 18 June , 2008, 12:39Hamburg:German scientists have invented a wireless bionic eyeball that canrestore visionto patients who have become blind due to retina damage or disease.The new prosthetic device caps 12 years of research to help thesepatients. Thiswork has resulted in a unique system - a fully implantable visualprosthesis. Thescientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuitsand Systemsin Duisburg, Germany, say that the bionic eye can bypass the damaged retina.For more news, analysisFor more Science and Medicine newsThe system comprises an implant and an external transmitterintegrated in an eyeglasses-frame.The implant system converts the image patterns into interpretablestimulation signals,and data and energy are transferred to the implant by a telemetriclink. Nerve cellsinside the eye are then stimulated according to the captured images.The intact cellsare innervated by means of 3-D stimulation electrodes that restagainst the retinalike small studs.As long as there is no damage to the optic nerve, the vision signalscan be sentto the brain just like they are with healthy eyes. "For normallysighted people thatmay not seem much, but for the blind, it is a major step," commentsHoc Khiem Trieuof the Fraunhofer Institute. "After years of blindness, the patientswere able tosee spots of light or geometric patterns, depending on how the nervecells were stimulated."Trieu has been involved from the outset of this project, which wasfunded by theGermany's Education and Research Ministry. Together with two otherscientists, IngoKrisch and DMichael Goertz, he translated the specifications given bythe medicalexperts and material scientists into an implant and chip design. "Amilestone wasreached when the prosthetic system finally operated wirelessly andremotely controlled,"explains Dr. Krisch."A great deal of detailed work was necessary before the implant couldbe activatedwithout any external cable connections. "The designs became smallerand smaller,the materials more flexible, more robust and higher in performance,so that the implantnow fits comfortably in the eye," reports Goertz.The scientists are to receive the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2008for their work.
A ray of hope! Gene tharapy provide sight to young persons!
Breaking News from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
04/28/2008
Now They SeeLandmark Gene Therapy Provides Vision to Nearly Blind Young Adults
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D.,lead investigator of the study, with her husband, Albert Maguire, M.D.,the study's lead surgeon.
Three young adults with virtually no vision can now read several lineson an eye chart and see better in dimly lit settings thanks to aninnovative genetherapy aiming to reverse blindness in a severe form of retinitispigmentosa known as Leber congenital amaurosis or LCA. One person waseven able to betternavigate an obstacle course several weeks after receiving the therapy.
The three individuals are participating in a Phase I clinical trial atThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is funded in part bythe FoundationFighting Blindness.
"I am overwhelmed with delight. We are delivering vision to people whowere blind. This is the biggest advancement in the 37-year history ofthe FoundationFighting Blindness," says Gordon Gund, Co-Founder and Chairman of theFoundation Fighting Blindness. "We have achieved an incrediblemilestone in curingblindness, and this advancement will help pave the way for thedevelopment of gene therapies to treat and cure a variety of retinaldiseases including:retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and maculardegeneration. This is a great day for the Foundation and all peopleaffected by blindingretinal diseases."
The development of the approach began when a form of LCA was linked tothe RPE65 gene in 1997. Three years later, researchers began givingvision to dogsborn blind from LCA, including the world-famous Lancelot. More than 50dogs have been treated and all continue to see well. The FoundationFighting Blindnesshas been funding this research virtually every step of the way.
Though the Phase I studies are primarily focused on safety, the firstdose used in this study resulted in improved vision. An additional sixindividualswill be enrolled in a continuation of this study to evaluate safetyand efficacy of differing doses. The vision improvement in youngadults seen so farat the lowest dose gives researchers optimism that the treatment mayprovide near-normal vision to children in Phase II studies.
Results of the clinical trials, funded in part by the Foundation, werepublished on April 28, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine.The journal publishedthe results of gene therapy trials taking place at CHOP and MoorfieldsEye Hospital in London. A third trial of the gene therapy, sponsoredby the NEI,is also taking place at the University of Pennsylvania and theUniversity of Florida.
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator of the CHOP trial,reports that the team studied three participants, who ranged in agefrom 19 to 26. All threehad one eye treated.
Bennett says that all three individuals reported improved vision indimly lit environments and in visual acuity in their injected eyesstarting two weeksafter treatment. Nystagmus- the roving eye movement associated withsevere vision loss from LCA- was also reduced in all threeindividuals.
The treatment developed by this team of investigators involvesdelivery of a normal RPE65 gene to the retina to augment function ofthe defective RPE65gene that leads to one form of LCA. Twelve different genes that leadto LCA have been identified.
The gene is delivered using a therapeutic virus known as anadeno-associated vector or AAV.
Researchers believe the vision improvement from a single injectionwill last for many years. In earlier laboratory studies, a singleAAV-based gene therapyin more than 50 dogs born blind from LCA has been effective for morethan seven years.
This study is being carried out by an international team led by TheUniversity of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,the Second Universityof Naples and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (both inItaly), and several other American institutions.
http://www.blindness.org/research.asp?id=326
04/28/2008
Now They SeeLandmark Gene Therapy Provides Vision to Nearly Blind Young Adults
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D.,lead investigator of the study, with her husband, Albert Maguire, M.D.,the study's lead surgeon.
Three young adults with virtually no vision can now read several lineson an eye chart and see better in dimly lit settings thanks to aninnovative genetherapy aiming to reverse blindness in a severe form of retinitispigmentosa known as Leber congenital amaurosis or LCA. One person waseven able to betternavigate an obstacle course several weeks after receiving the therapy.
The three individuals are participating in a Phase I clinical trial atThe Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is funded in part bythe FoundationFighting Blindness.
"I am overwhelmed with delight. We are delivering vision to people whowere blind. This is the biggest advancement in the 37-year history ofthe FoundationFighting Blindness," says Gordon Gund, Co-Founder and Chairman of theFoundation Fighting Blindness. "We have achieved an incrediblemilestone in curingblindness, and this advancement will help pave the way for thedevelopment of gene therapies to treat and cure a variety of retinaldiseases including:retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and maculardegeneration. This is a great day for the Foundation and all peopleaffected by blindingretinal diseases."
The development of the approach began when a form of LCA was linked tothe RPE65 gene in 1997. Three years later, researchers began givingvision to dogsborn blind from LCA, including the world-famous Lancelot. More than 50dogs have been treated and all continue to see well. The FoundationFighting Blindnesshas been funding this research virtually every step of the way.
Though the Phase I studies are primarily focused on safety, the firstdose used in this study resulted in improved vision. An additional sixindividualswill be enrolled in a continuation of this study to evaluate safetyand efficacy of differing doses. The vision improvement in youngadults seen so farat the lowest dose gives researchers optimism that the treatment mayprovide near-normal vision to children in Phase II studies.
Results of the clinical trials, funded in part by the Foundation, werepublished on April 28, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine.The journal publishedthe results of gene therapy trials taking place at CHOP and MoorfieldsEye Hospital in London. A third trial of the gene therapy, sponsoredby the NEI,is also taking place at the University of Pennsylvania and theUniversity of Florida.
Jean Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator of the CHOP trial,reports that the team studied three participants, who ranged in agefrom 19 to 26. All threehad one eye treated.
Bennett says that all three individuals reported improved vision indimly lit environments and in visual acuity in their injected eyesstarting two weeksafter treatment. Nystagmus- the roving eye movement associated withsevere vision loss from LCA- was also reduced in all threeindividuals.
The treatment developed by this team of investigators involvesdelivery of a normal RPE65 gene to the retina to augment function ofthe defective RPE65gene that leads to one form of LCA. Twelve different genes that leadto LCA have been identified.
The gene is delivered using a therapeutic virus known as anadeno-associated vector or AAV.
Researchers believe the vision improvement from a single injectionwill last for many years. In earlier laboratory studies, a singleAAV-based gene therapyin more than 50 dogs born blind from LCA has been effective for morethan seven years.
This study is being carried out by an international team led by TheUniversity of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,the Second Universityof Naples and the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (both inItaly), and several other American institutions.
http://www.blindness.org/research.asp?id=326
great news!
A group of American scientists have given avisually-impairedgrandmother a chance to see her grandchildren danceand play football.
Linda Moorfoot, who suffers from the eye conditionretinitispigmentosa that causes blindness, is thrilled afterhaving part of hersight restored by a bionic eye.
The new invention is a tiny camera that scientistshope to actuallyinsert into the eye within the next five years.
The new technology tested by Moorfoot uses an externalcamera worn ona pair of dark glasses. The camera sends images to aradio receiverimplanted near the eye, which transmits a signal on toa tiny siliconand platinum chip that sits on the retina.
This information then goes down the optic nerve intothe brain.
Scientist Dr Mark Humayun has developed a small andpowerful camerathat could be implanted inside a patient's eye, ratherthan worn on apair of glasses"When I go to the grandkids' hockey game or soccergame I can seewhich direction the game is moving in," Moorfoot said.
"I can shoot baskets with my grandson. And I can seemy granddaughterdancing across the stage. It's wonderful," she added.
The team led by Dr Mark Humayun - a professor ofophthalmology andbiomedical engineering at the Doheny Eye Institute inLos Angeles -have now developed a small and powerful camera thatcould be implantedinside the patient's eye, rather than worn on a pairof glasses.
"The camera is very, very small and very low power, soit can goinside your eye and couple your eye movement to wherethe camera is,"said Dr Humayun. "With this kind of missinginformation, the brain canfill in. This field is really blossoming."
"So in the next four to five years I hope, and we allhope, that wewill see technology that's much more advanced," headded.
"There are millions of people around the world withsight loss. Wewould welcome any developments that could preventsight loss andrestore sight," said Christina Nicolaidou, spokeswomanfor theUK-based Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB).
"This research could be exciting and we will befollowing it over thenext few years to see how it develops," she added.
Linda Moorfoot, who suffers from the eye conditionretinitispigmentosa that causes blindness, is thrilled afterhaving part of hersight restored by a bionic eye.
The new invention is a tiny camera that scientistshope to actuallyinsert into the eye within the next five years.
The new technology tested by Moorfoot uses an externalcamera worn ona pair of dark glasses. The camera sends images to aradio receiverimplanted near the eye, which transmits a signal on toa tiny siliconand platinum chip that sits on the retina.
This information then goes down the optic nerve intothe brain.
Scientist Dr Mark Humayun has developed a small andpowerful camerathat could be implanted inside a patient's eye, ratherthan worn on apair of glasses"When I go to the grandkids' hockey game or soccergame I can seewhich direction the game is moving in," Moorfoot said.
"I can shoot baskets with my grandson. And I can seemy granddaughterdancing across the stage. It's wonderful," she added.
The team led by Dr Mark Humayun - a professor ofophthalmology andbiomedical engineering at the Doheny Eye Institute inLos Angeles -have now developed a small and powerful camera thatcould be implantedinside the patient's eye, rather than worn on a pairof glasses.
"The camera is very, very small and very low power, soit can goinside your eye and couple your eye movement to wherethe camera is,"said Dr Humayun. "With this kind of missinginformation, the brain canfill in. This field is really blossoming."
"So in the next four to five years I hope, and we allhope, that wewill see technology that's much more advanced," headded.
"There are millions of people around the world withsight loss. Wewould welcome any developments that could preventsight loss andrestore sight," said Christina Nicolaidou, spokeswomanfor theUK-based Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB).
"This research could be exciting and we will befollowing it over thenext few years to see how it develops," she added.
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