Experts come together to tackle sight loss

World-renowned experts from across the globe will come together in London this week to discuss sight loss and related research and innovation. 

The Blind Veterans UK event, which will be held at the Victory Services Club in London tomorrow (24 May), is the first seminar of its kind hosted by the charity and aims to explore research and innovation ideas in relation to blind veterans. 

The Life Beyond Sight Loss titled seminar is the first part of an exchange programme called Project Gemini that will see members of the US-based Blind Veterans Association visit the UK to meet representatives of Blind Veterans UK. 

The event is designed to enable the charity and the association to share experiences and knowledge about matters such as blind rehabilitation and readjustment training, vision research and adaptive technology for the blind. 

Head of research at Blind Veterans UK, Dr Renata Gomes, explained: “The Research Seminar series will bring together world experts on a variety of issues affecting our beneficiaries, to keep us informed, participate and develop research paving the way to reversing the effects of blindness.

“Our first seminar is focusing on the effects of traumatic brain injuries and their links to sight loss. 70% of those suffering from blast traumatic brain injuries sustained through service in the armed forces complain of vision conditions which may lead to blindness. Blind Veterans UK wants to be at the forefront supporting research to avoid this,” she highlighted.

President of Blind Veterans UK, Colin Williamson, emphasised that continued research into the prevention, treatment and aftercare of combat-related eye and brain injuries that result in sight loss is vital. “Through Project Gemini, we would like to encourage research and innovation within these specific areas,” he added.