A common belief that blind people possess unusually heightened non-visual senses now may be more than just a belief. A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers has found that the brains of those who are born blind make new connections in the absence of visual information. This results in heightened senses of hearing, [Read More]
Author: droberts
Assistive Technology in the Middle Lane
by Dan Roberts When it comes to assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired, so many options present themselves that it may be helpful to visualize them on a three-lane highway. Devices in the slow lane are basic low-tech optical and non-optical aids. Devices in the middle lane use electronics and digital technology to [Read More]
Once-Promising Study of Encapsulated Cell Technology Halted
Researchers have found no significant difference between patients implanted with capsules manufacturing the drug NT-503 and patients receiving anti-VEGF drug injections. As reported on this site in 2015, Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a Phase 2 clinical study of NT-503 Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study planned [Read More]
Is Stem Cell Therapy Dangerous?
Commentary by Dan Roberts, Editor Living Well With Low Vision The low vision community has been shaken this past week by news of three patients whose vision was damaged by stem cell treatment at a Florida clinic in 2015. There is good reason for concern, but not about the future of stem cell therapy for [Read More]
OpRegen® for Dry-AMD in Trials
BioTime, Inc. is expanding its ongoing Phase I/IIa clinical trial for OpRegen® for treatment of dry AMD. by naming the first two sites that will treat patients in the U.S. Adi Mohanty, Co-Chief Executive Officer of BioTime, said, “We are honored to be working with two of the leading U.S. clinicians in ophthalmology, Dr. David [Read More]