Merry Christmas From All At Retina The element of surprise has always been a trend of mine. In the past, I relished turning up unannounced, hopefully giving friends and family a welcome interlude from day to day routine. This applied to those separated by vast geographic distance or others closer to home. In the early 70s I loaded my car, filled the tank, and sought a sea change. I headed to Sydney with my faithful kelpie cross, Yoben on board. I had a couple of contacts in the harbour city to call on. I was assured of a roof over my head until I could establish myself with a job and place of my own. Handy with my hands, I held no doubts there was work awaiting in the construction industry. What lay ahead I could never have dreamed. Over the initial two weeks I drifted from Ryde to Wiseman's Ferry, where I met Jules and a happy household of people involved in nursing. I was given details of an upcoming intake of students at Gladesville. I was stimulated by the conversation and decided to make an approach to the recruitment officer. Ultimately, I accepted to undertake four years study and training at the hospital. I reflect on my days as a student psychiatric nurse in 1973. I joined another fifteen young school leavers for our training at Gladesville Psychiatric Hospital -an historic government institution on the banks of the Parramatta River at Beldlam Point. I was attracted to this site by its rambling buildings spread across many acres in suburban Sydney. This career change was far removed from anything I had tried previously. I was in my early 30s and more street-wise than my fellow students. I certainly didn't have their retentative minds for studying subjects ranging from biology, psychology to medical diseases. It was a whole new language to me. I was looked upon as someone who could deal with the mental disposition and physical patient care, but struggled to cope academically. I had come full circle. From extracting nuggets of gold from the bowels of Canada's wilderness, I was now extracting 'nuggets' from constipated mental patients. A former underground miner toiling with brute strength at a physically demanding job, I had swapped calloused hands for the gentle massage of body and mind of those tormented souls in a mental institution. After my first six months in the job, I looked forward to a trip to Trentham to surprise my sister and her family on Christmas Day. I had been in contact leading up to the festive season and was advised the family would be spending the day at home on the farm. This sowed the seed to drive down and surprise them with my unheralded arrival on Christmas morning. I was working seven days of 12 hours shifts in a geriatric ward. With a week's leave following my last night shift, I could drive to the Victorian country town and carry out one of my surprise visits. Jules had time off himself and decided he had nothing planned and would enjoy the trip too. We opted for his more reliable vehicle and headed south on Christmas Eve. We made good time leaving the congested traffic of the big city. Jules and I shared jokes as I described my family members as down to earth, friendly folk. I was bearing gifts and much anticipation as we pulled up in the driveway on a rather hot Christmas morning. My first realisation was no vehicle parked by the house. "Oh well", I thought, "it is just before midday and they are probably at the pub having a drink with the locals. We will wait for their surprised reactions when they return for lunch." This did not happen after an hour of stretching our legs and checking out the vegie garden and pets. We headed to the pub. It was shut. You could have shot cannon down the main street and no-one would have been the wiser. So back to the farm and all was still quiet. A neighbour spotted us and came over to check on the security of my sister's home. Once satisfied as to our intentions, we were advised my sister and her family had accepted an invitation to spend the day with friends in another town! I preferred not to stay around the farm with the probing eyes of the neighbour upon us. Jules and I were not completely without rations. The esky contained beer and some food we could barbeque. I suggested a local creek would offer shade and a cool retreat from the blazing sun. We parked in the shade of a river gum and proceeded to whet out throats with a cold beer. We had tomatoes, onions, eggs, bacon and bread which were for a breakfast we had not eaten. All that was missing was a hotplate or pan to cook them on! We spotted the gallon petrol can in the boot, emptied its contents into the tank, and then with a pen knife cut it open to fashion a cooking receptacle. It was not what I had envisaged, but our Christmas dinner in '73 was certainly one of my most basic. The creek didn't offer much water. It was reduced to a few small pools by the drought conditions. We managed to enjoy our beers and breakfast in the afternoon heat, propped in the shade on the creek bank. We could only laugh at the result of our surprise visit. I was to see my sister and her family after dark that evening when they returned to find Jules and myself waiting in their driveway. I recall, after the initial shock of my presence, we called it an early night. It had been a long day for all concerned, which ended on a happy note! My delayed surprise was a perfect Christmas gift. Rainbows and smiles, Dave Byars Retina Australia Biennial Congress "Looking to the Future" September 23-24 2006 A very wise man recently described coping with vision loss, or any disability for that matter as seeing the situation as 5% problem and 95% solution. I am sure those who travelled to this event will agree solutions to living well with vision loss was indeed the focus of Looking to the Future. In fact all key issues were more than covered in living well workshops and a great range of adaptive equipment through to presentations on scientific research and retinal trials from around the world. And apart from a few sore heads on the Sunday after the Gala Dinner, I think most would agree -this was an excellent event. Thanks to The Ian Potter Foundation and The National University of Australia, Retina Australia was able to secure the attendance of Professor Gerald Chader – a leader in a world-wide search for solutions to retinal blindness. Prof. Chader, the Chief Scientific Officer at the Doheny Retina Institute at the University of Southern California, bought a message of hope to all those affected by retinal dystrophies. Animals have already identified pending treatments and could soon lead to extensive Human trials. Prof. Chader is confident the next 5-10 years will see treatments for diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration ( including age related), Ushers Syndrome and Stargardts Disease." The goal is now to move very rapidly" Many such diseases are genetically based, and currently there have been 108 genes identified. Prof.Chader also indicated Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) was "indeed hereditary based". In the year 2000 no genes had been identified and in 2006, researchers had already found 8 genes that cause or are associated with AMD. And yet even today only half the genes responsible for retinal dystrophies have been identified. Genetic results can be found on the RetNet website. In his presentation, 'Movement to Clinical Trials for Inherited Retinal Degeneration', Prof. Chader indicated you can lose up to 90% of your photoreceptor cells and still have 10% useful vision. The importance of retaining as much vision as possible by healthy living was strongly recommended. The theory is the more sight you have remaining, the more sight you can have restored. Antioxidants called Retina Complex have shown good results in maintaining vision and were highly recommended. More information can be found on the RetinaComplex Website Clinical trials around the world are currently as follows: ? Photoreceptor transplantations are reporting good, safe, effective results ? There are still problems with Stem Cells causing tumours and cancers and researchers are now working to stop the regeneration within the eye ? Currently there are two trials in the US with Cortical prosthesis (brain chip). Scientists are not sure if at this stage, the particular improvements noted are due to the prosthesis or an injury response from the eye following surgery. Prof. Chader said "it looks good, but they are not there yet'. ? Pharmaceutical therapies are also being used more extensively to delay the loss of photoreceptor cell death. This is also evident with a process called Encapsulated Cell Technology. This procedure is currently into phase1 trials. More can be found on the Neurotech website. ? GenVec for Wet AMD has successfully finished phase 1 safety trials and is already into phase 2. Studies into Luitein Z and the effects on Wet AMD is also in progress ? Nutritional Supplements Vitamin A and a combination of antioxidants have been found effective in slowing down AMD. Oxidation can cause further damage. Mice with oxidation damage injected with antioxidants have show remarkable results. ? Gene Therapy "Six years ago two Briard dogs, blind at birth, were treated in one third of the retina of their right eye, with a gene therapy for the specific form of Lebers retinitis pigmentosa which they carried and which caused the blindness. Some sight was achieved in the treated part of the eye and, most importantly, six years later that sight has been maintained." Gene therapy is also being trialed for Stargardts Disease. Prof. Chader went on to say "We can treat and cure animal models of retinal dystrophies – the next step is to adapt this technology to humans". Significant emphasis was also placed on the importance of genotyping. This will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for treatments. More information on this process can be found at www.carverlab.org Other presentations were given by Professor Jonathan Stone from the Australian National University; Prof. Michael Kalloniatis from the University Auckland. Dr Jie Jin Wang, Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney; Dr Anne Weymouth, Department of Optometry and Vision, Sciences, University of Melbourne; Dr Simone Leaver, University of WA, and Dr Jenni Moffitt, Centre for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, Brisbane. In closing the Congress, the President of Retina Australia Ms Robyn Wright, said there is an urgent need to move towards the establishment of genotyping in Australia and New Zealand. "This would involve people with genetic blindness volunteering a blood sample from which their genetic material would be extracted. It is then possible to identify people who will benefit from specific gene therapies as and when they come on line." For those who think the Congress wouldn't be for them – give the next one a try. As well as having a wonderful weekend, I 'm sure you will find it a very informative occasion. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend congratulations to Faye Martin, President of Retina Australia (ACT) Inc. along with Jan James and the rest of the small but dedicated Canberra team. "Looking to the Future" has certainly set a precedent for future events. Kate Giles 2006 Fiona McNabb, Kate Giles, Charles Rogers and Kath Halbish at the Gala Dinner RA ACT is offering for sale CD's of each of the speakers at $6. However, we have purchased a complete set of these voice recordings of the presentations. A number of members have asked as to the availability of these to the membership, which is the reason for us purchasing these - for you! Members can make a time to come to the office and listen to a CD of their choice, or can ask to borrow one to listen to. Interested members are free to call the office on 9650 5088 on either Monday mornings or Thursday afternoon's for a copy of the list or to find out more. Sandown Motor Circuit Sunday 25th March 2007 Event Organiser – Peter Watts Phone/Fax: 9844 3903 Email: peterwatts1@bigpond.com This event is a project of the Lions Club of Warrandyte Inc. The purpose of the event is to provide people who are legally blind with the opportunity to drive a motor vehicle. Driving School Instructors from Independent Driving Schools offer their time and vehicles free of charge. The situation is similar to that experienced by a sighted person learning to drive. The Driving Instructor sits beside the blind or vision impaired person (VIP) and talks him/her around the circuit. Each participant is allotted a half-hour segment, and for some, this is their first experience of being "In the Driver's Seatฎ " whilst for others it is an opportunity to relive pleasant memories. Minimum age for participants is 16 years. This event is generously supported by the Ulysses (Shearwater) Motor Cycle Group, the Vintage Driver's Club, the '49-'59 Ford Customline Club, who provide the added excitement of rides in or on their various vehicles around the car park and surrounding access roads. It is envisaged that, between 11.00 and 11.30am bikers, and between 1.30 and 2.00pm the Vintage Driver's, will be able to take their respective vehicles with passengers around the Sandown circuit. Participants are invited to bring family and friends to share the day. Family and friends are permitted to ride on bikes, and in Vintage and Ford Customline vehicles, but the blind and vision impaired participants have priority at all times. For further queries or to register, contact Peter Watts on 9844 3903. Now Bigger and Better than ever The 2006 Event CARS OF THE WORLD RAFFLE Congratulations to the following winners of the 2006 Queenscliff Cars of the World event raffle in aid of Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. 1st Prize – Ticket No. 2185 WINNER - TONY KNOX OF CROYDON will be driving a Porsche Boxster for the weekend to the Cumberland Lorne Resort. " Valued at $1,800 – thanks to Porsche Cars Melbourne & The Cumberland Lorne Resort 2nd Prize - Ticket No. 0878 WINNER - D GRAHAM OF EAST GEELONG "Mixed dozen bottles of Premium 'boutique' wines. Courtesy of Cloudwine Cellars Valued at $250 3rd Prize - Ticket No. 1052 WINNER - DEREK WITHAM OF MULGRAVE "Bowden's Own Car Care Kit" Valued at $150. Courtesy of Bowden's Own Premium Car Care 4th Prize - Ticket No.1860 WINNER - ANN DUNCAN OF MT MARTHA "Dinner for two at the Queenscliff Hotel" Valued at $120. Courtesy of the Queenscliff Hotel 5th & 6th Prize - Ticket No. 1811 WINNER - RAM SINGH OF MELBOURNE Ticket No.2269 WINNER -T ROBERTSON OF FOREST HILL both have won "6 Month subscriptions to Australian Classic Car Magazine" Valued at $40 each. Courtesy of Australian Classic Motoring Press. Many thanks again to all members who helped by buying and selling tickets to their members. Your support to Retina is very much appreciated. PICASSO GETS THE ELBOW Picasso's famed Dream painting turned into a nightmare for Las Vegas casino magnate, Steve Wynn when he accidentally poked a hole in the multi-million-dollar canvas. Mr. Wynn had just sewn up a $185 million sale to another collector of his painting (Le Dream) when he elbowed a hole in the work while showing it to friends at his Las Vegas office a couple of weeks ago. Director and screenwriter Nora Ephron said Wynn had raised his hand to show the group something about Picasso's 1932 portrait of his mistress, Marie- Therese Walter. "At that moment, his elbow crashed backward right through the canvas. There was a terrible noise", Ms Ephron said. Mr Wynn has retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that damages the peripheral vision. "Smack in the middle was a black hole the size of a silver dollar", Ms Ephron said. " 'Oh s….,' he said." Look what I've done. Thank goodness it was me'." Mr Wynn had decided to release the buyer from the sale agreement and to repair and keep the painting himself. The Herald Sun – 19th October 2006. Due to lack of space some of our normal segments have not been included in this issue. The editorial committee hopes you have enjoyed this edition of the Achiever. Your feedback is always most welcome. Editorial Committee: Kate Giles, Graeme Lawry, Shirley Mc.Gregor, Deborah Thomas & Stephanie Rosenfield.. Office Hours: Mon. Morning and Thurs. Afternoon Phone / Fax: 9650 5088 Email: retina@netspace.net.au PP: 33 1088/00015 If undeliverable, please return to: Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. 4th Floor, Ross House 247 – 251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 3000 "The Achiever" Print Post Approved PP331088/00107 ?………………………………………………………………….. CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR OTHER DETAILS To advise change of address or name, please enter your new particulars below. Then mail the whole of this page, which includes your existing particulars, to: Retina Australia (Vic) Inc., 247 –251 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 NAME: NEW POSTAL ADDRESS: POSTCODE: TELEPHONE: NEW EMAIL: THEACHIEVERPage 11 RETINA AUSTRALIA (VIC) INC