THE ACHIEVER WINTER EDITION JULY 2007 ROSS HOUSE, 4TH FLOOR 247 - 251 FLINDERS LANE MELBOURNE VIC 3000 PHONE (03)9650 5088 FAX (03) 9639 0979 Email: support@retinavic.org.au Web site: www.retinavic.org.au INSIDE From the President Easter Raffle Results Social Functions Future function dates Research Studies Research News Information sessions Cars of the World Fundraising update CERA Clinical Trials Membership Renewal Hazards on the Cards WET N WILD WINTER The relief of much needed rain has finally arrived to Victorians. From the President From an organisational view 2007 has thus far been a terribly busy, yet productive one in our development. The office move in late January has helped staff and regular volunteers in their roles as it has enabled them to develop the current office layout around their own needs. In recent months upgrades have been made to the computers with a new weekly backup system, three new 19 inch flat panel monitors, new keyboards & most importantly, a brand-new CCTV magnifier. Regular office hours are now Monday and Thursday’s from 9am to 5pm, with some volunteers at the office on the other business days. Another great achievement by our Treasurer Graham Owen and part-time staff member Julie-Anne Adams has been with the development of a complete new accounting system, which has become quite an involved process, but the benefits are already showing. I am pleased to report that 117 member surveys were received, which is a sensational amount for this type of endeavour. Vice-President Jane Evans is currently working through the results and we should receive a detailed explanation in the next Achiever. Recently, Council chose to award a Certificate of Appreciation to administration and accounts volunteer, Chelsia. The next few months will be a busy and prosperous for Retina Vic. In August the Victorian Ladies Bowling Association will make a presentation to us, which will enable us to put into place a number of plans in the expansion of our support programs and services throughout Victoria. World Sight Day and World Retina Day are around the corner, as is our AGM and luncheon, which will take place on 13 October & the two car events in November and December. I hope that you enjoy marshmallows in front of the fireplace whilst you read this winter edition of the Achiever. The vision is ours, Charles Rogers President Vice-President – Jane Evans Treasurer – Graham Owen Council members: David Foran, Fiona McNabb, Jim Parke, Leighton Boyd & Rosemary Boyd Easter raffle prize winners 1st Prize – Easter hamper donated by Cadbury Schweppes Winner – J Filmer 2nd Prize – Easter Eggs donated by Pink Lady Chocolates Winner – M Sanderson 3rd Prize – Easter Eggs, Bilby and Koala donated by Fyna Foods Australia Pty Ltd Winner – M Taylor Social functions In May we held our family lunch, which was to be a BBQ event, but due to weather conditions we chose to reconvene to the Swan Hotel in Chapel St, Windsor. This recently renovated pub provided quality meals at very reasonable cost. Attendance at lunch was good, with others joining for drinks later on. Unfortunately, no one had a camera. The June luncheon was postponed at late notice, which was due to a number of apologies. The late arrival of invitations also didn’t help. This year’s AGM will highlight the improvements, profits and profit forecasts. A Guest Speaker will be announced in the notice of meeting. We would like to inform all that the AGM date falls on the Caulfield Guineas Day. Achiever copy deadlines 17 August – September Issue 15 November – December Issue Member, volunteers & friends lunch Tuesday 21 August Noon for 12:30pm Hofbrauhaus, Market Lane, Melbourne Mains start at $12, Retina Vic to provide first drink 20 August – 9650 5088 Young members drinks Thursday 23 August 6pm for 6:30pm Fish Bar, New Quay Promenade, Docklands First drink on the house, meals at own cost 20 August – 9650 5088 Guineas Lunch & Annual General Meeting Saturday 13 October Noon for lunch, AGM to commence at 1:30pm TBA TBA Detailed in notice to be sent Remaining dates for 2007 23 September Member BBQ 6 December Young members Christmas drinks 11 December Member, friends and volunteer Christmas lunch Achiever Editorial Committee The editorial committee hopes you have enjoyed this edition of the Achiever. Your feedback is always most welcome. Editorial Committee Graeme Lawry, Shirley McGregor, Deb Thomas, Carmel Georgalas, Jocelyn Davies, Stephanie Rosenfield, with guidance and support from Council. Retina Research Studies PHD Student at Melbourne University needs your help Subjects with any hereditary retinal degeneration are required to help in a project investigating how these conditions affect the relationship between the structure and function of the retina in the eye. We need about 3 hours of your time. One eye will undergo a routine eye examination using drops to dilate the pupil. You will be required to respond to visual stimuli presented. The structure of your retina will also be examined using the latest noninvasive retinal imaging equipment. This study will take place at the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences of the University of Melbourne (Cnr Cardigan and Keppel Streets) from March 2007 to March 2008. Subjects for the study will be reimbursed $20 towards genuine travel expenses. A meal up to a value of $10 will also be provided if required. If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Ms Monica Jong on 9349 7467 for more information. Retina Vic members invited to be part of these studies The Prince of Wales Hospital clinical school of University of New South Wales is running a clinical research program aimed at developing a medical device or bionic eye to restore very basic visual sensations to people with end stage blinding disorders of the retina. Vision Australia has been asked to assist with identifying people who are willing to participate in the study The eligibility criteria for the study: 1. Diagnosis of Retinal Dystrophy, Retinitis Pigmentosa or Age Related Macular Degeneration. 2. Patients without significant other ocular pathology. 3. Patients with poor visual acuity to the range of less than 6/60 in either eye. They are planning to commence bionic eye clinics to see these patients at the Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick NSW at the beginning of July. This will involve electrophysiology and OCT testing to measure retinal function and structure. Overall the tests take between 1 and 2 hours to perform. These tests do not provide any therapeutic benefit - but may provide predictive value. For further information please contact Jane Ellis on 02 9334 3282 or Jane. Ellis@visionaustralia.org Worldwide Research News Nanoparticles Show Promise for Delivering Vision-Restoring Genes to the Retina. by Ben A Shaberman 4 June 2007 An investigative team funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness demonstrated that nanoparticles may be a safe and effective way to correct genetic variations that cause vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Muna Naash, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, in collaboration with Copernicus Therapeutics (Cleveland, Ohio), used nanoparticles to restore vision in mice with RP. The nanoparticles were produced by compressing DNA with the corrective gene and coating it in a waxy, slippery substance. These particles were then injected into the retinas of the mice to deliver the gene. The treated mice showed both functional and structural improvement in their retinas. “Our results provide proof-of-principle that nanoparticles may be used as a therapeutic intervention for retinal degenerative disorders,” says Naash. Naash and her collaborators will continue to evaluate nanoparticles in small animals before moving their research forward toward human clinical trials. A nanoparticle is a microscopic particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers. The nanoparticles used in the study were less than 15 nanometers in diameter. (A nanometer is extremely small — about one fifty-thousandth of the width of a hair.) Nanoparticles are an emerging technology, which is being studied for the treatment of a variety of other diseases including cancer and HIV. Information from www.blindness.org In Brief – AMD Cure British doctors believe that they have found a cure for age-related macular degeneration in the form of stem cell treatment, and say that a routine operation using the treatment could be available within a decade. The Times reported on 6 June that doctors were recruiting patients for the first clinical trials but said that they were confident from success from previous studies. The report said that doctors from the University College London, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the University of Sheffield had repaired the vision of a handful of patients with AMD using cells, from the patients’ own eyes. The new development could also be used to treat the dry form of AMD. Snippet from Australian Optometry, July 2007 issue. INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) INITIATIVE FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY On Sunday 8 July 2007, I attended Vision Australia, 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong to hear the Minister for Community Services, Gavin Jennings MLC, announce details of the grant from the Department of Human Services to support this ICT initiative. Whilst announcing details of the $3million grant which will be split amongst various vision and print disability organisations, the Minister said that “ all members of the community have every right to reach their potential regardless of their disability”. He mentioned that there was a need for training and back-up support for people who worked to assist those less able than themselves. He also stated that it was necessary for the government to provide support which will begin to lift the percentage of accessible print for the 1.7 million print disabled Australians. Currently only 5% of printed information is available in an alternate format that is accessible to all. Vision Australia’s share of the funding is $750,000 and they will utilise this to continue to meet the urgent demand for access to printed information for people who are blind or have low vision. In particular the grant will support the provision of the latest digital technology that reads printed information. This technology, which comes in the form of a hand-held device, enables access to the latest news and books as well as downloadable information from the Internet through speech generated software. In reality, the grant will enable the production of 1500 digital devices as well as support the roll out of these devices to Vision Australia clients. The devices, and associated training and ongoing support, are delivered free for Vision Australia clients. During the morning, the Minister presented Vision Australia’s 5,000th digital device to client, Maria Robinson. In doing so, the Minister likened the device to a “black ipod, only much more sophisticated”. Maria is a student, and an indigenous liaison officer, at Victoria University who is totally blind and who was thrilled to receive her own on-line “Bookport”. Maria said that the new technology was amazing and that it would really make it a lot easier for her to access information that most people take for granted. She felt that it was great to have several things in one device and that she would now be able to keep on top of everything in her work, study, and recreation, but above all enable her to keep up with what her friends were talking about. At the conclusion of the formal presentations, we were able to look at the display of the many and varied ICT products, including the new wireless digital hand held devices, which have been designed to encourage the independence of people who have a print disability. We were also given an explanation of the on-line internet capability of such devices which could be utilised to “tap into” the Vision Australia library services as well as other public libraries at a future stage. Report by: Leighton Boyd GREAT OCEAN ROAD – 75 YEARS OLD The VACC 75 Years Great Ocean Road Celebration Tour will commemorate the Official Opening of the World’s Largest War Memorial from 25-28 November. Retina Australia Victoria President, Charles Rogers accepted the approach last year from Great Ocean Road Marketing to handle the event, which is open to 40 vehicles built prior to 1933. The tour will travel from Melbourne to Portland over four days along the Great Ocean Road taking part in local community celebrations and plaque unveilings. A running sheet, detailing the tour route and celebration activities will appear on the Cars of the World web site as the event draws near. Retina Vic members and friends are encouraged to take part in some way, particularly those along the tour route. Image is the new bronze sculpture, which was unveiled at a ceremony on the 13 April. The Point Nepean Quarantine Station (pictured below) is now confirmed as the venue for this year’s event, scheduled for Sunday 2 December. The event will now become a festival with the expansion of entertainment, culture and gastronomic activities. RT Edgar Real Estate, Portsea has become a major sponsor, which will ideally pave the way for a string of other local community support. Again, more details about the event can be found on the web site at www.carsoftheworld.com.au Help needed Assistance is required to coordinate the accommodation packages for the Great Ocean Road tour & further support for the Cars of the World event, namely someone or group to establish the wine and gourmet food outlets. To assist: Call 9650 5088 or email: enquiry@carsoftheworld.com.au Entertainment Books Melbourne $60 Geelong and Ballarat $50 Other regions/states $50-$60 Sales price list Key Ring Light Chains $4 Owl Badges $2 Owl Badge Collector boxes (limited supply) $20 Retina Victoria Commemorative spoons $5 Range of Christmas Cards from $3 per pack of 10 Our fundraisers In the March issue we announced our partnership with the Ritchie’s Supermarket chain. The good news is that Retina Vic has already benefited receiving our first proceeds - $10.52! We encourage all members and friends to support this initiative by phoning the office on 9650 5088 to obtain a Ritchie’s Benefit card. There is no cost involved, and they don’t even take your personal details, but the benefit is that while you shop and present your card a percentage of your shop comes to Retina Vic. On another entertaining thought, the latest Entertainment Book has again sold quite well. They range from $50 to $60 and can be purchased from the office. CERA – Clinical Trials Explained If you have recently visited the Centre for Eye Research Australia for a medical consultation, you may have heard about a number of clinical trials and studies investigating different forms of eye diseases, treatments and programs to improve quality of life. Some of these are outlined below. The Clinical Research Division is conducting a number of trials investigating different forms of treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In one trial, researchers are studying the role of cholesterol-lowering medications in the progression of AMD. The Clinical Epidemiology Division is running close to nine trials including the study of early retinal vessel changes in diabetes, as well as a collaborative trial of laser treatment with a steroid, for diabetic macular oedema. Article as published in Vision News, June 2007 (CERA newsletter) For further information, contact CERA on 03 9929 8360 Membership Renewal Form 2007-2008 Membership Fees (inc GST) Pensioner/Student $25.00 Individual $35.00 (over 16 years of age) Family (limited to only 2 people $50.00 Organisations $60.00 over 16 years of age) Membership Details Name*....................................................................................... ........................... Address.................................................................................................................. .....................................................................Post Code..................... Telephone(home).............................. Telephone(work)................................. Mobile.................................... emailaddress..................................................................................... Occupation........................................................................................ PensionNo......................................Student ID No............................... (Required for those paying either Pensioner or Student membership fee) *Family Membership – please provide names of all members of the family included in this membership category. Member Profile – please circle Age (in years) <16 16–35 36-54 55–74 75+ What level of Totally Legally Minimal None vision Blind Blind impairment do you have? How would you Large Email Via RA CD Daisy CD prefer to receive Print (Vic) (When the‘Achiever’ website available) Are you retired Yes No or not working? Are you a carer Yes No for a person with vision impairment? THEACHIEVERP a g e RETINA AUSTRALIA Are you a person Yes without vision impairment who supports Retina Australia (Vic) Inc? Would you like to be an active Yes No volunteer for Retina Australia (Vic) Inc? Which of these services would you like to receive from Retina Australia (Vic) Inc. Please tick Peer Support (face to face) Access to current medical research Listening to medical experts present and discuss new findings and developments Socialising with others in a similar situation Raising funds to promote and support research I have enclosed $20 / $35 / $45 / $60 as a membership fee (circle the appropriate amount) and a Tax Deductible Donation of $............ TOTALAmount: $..................... Please make your cheque or money order payable to: Retina Australia (Vic) Inc Or debit my VISA MASTERCARD Payment by Credit Card (Mastercard or Visacardonly), cheque or money order. Please make cheque or money order payable to Retina Australia (Vic) Inc Total Completed form, cheques or money orders should be sent to: Retina Australia (Vic) Inc, THEA CHIEVERP a g e 1 II,(VIC)INC 0RETINA AUSTRALIA 4th Floor Ross House, 247-251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000 Hazards on the Cards By Fiona Willan Article from Nillumbik edition of Diamond Valley Leader Wednesday July 11 2007 Image: Nillumbik deputy mayor Bronnie Hattam and Leighton Boyd have helped develop an “obstacle card” to improve access to footpaths. A STREET lined with trees and blossoming bushes may sound like suburban paradise. But to Greensborough resident Leighton Boyd, it could be a minefield of danger. Mr Boyd is blind and regularly encounters obstacles while walking in Nillumbik. He said he was often injured by overhanging branches, protruding bushes and cars blocking the footpath. "I scratch my head on overhanging branches; I've cut my forehead on a number of occasions," Mr Boyd said. "And I've twisted my ankle before, too." Nillumbik Council's disability advisory committee has introduced a new tool to tackle footpath hazards. The "obstacle card" aims to make life easier for Nillumbik's elderly, disabled or less mobile residents. If pedestrians encounter an obstacle at a property, they can drop a card in the letterbox to inform the homeowner and ask them to fix the problem. The card is believed to be the first of its kind for Victorian councils. Committee member Mr Boyd said response to the pilot project, completed in March, had been encouraging. "In my case, people responded 100 per cent of the time," he said. "In a lot of cases, it's a simple thing to fix. It's just that people often don't think of these things and this is just a way of letting them know." Committee chairwoman and deputy mayor Bronnie Hattam said people were willing to help if they knew about problems. Cr Hattam said the obstacle card would benefit the whole community, not just elderly and disabled residents. "The card also helps to inform the community on issues affecting people with disabilities and the general safety of all community members," she said. The cards are at council information stands, in libraries and at Living and Learning Nillumbik centres. 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, Fax to 03 9639 0979 or email to support@retinavic.org.au NAME: NEW POSTAL ADDRESS: ............ POSTCODE: ............... TELEPHONE/S: ..................................................................... NEWEMAIL: ........................................................................ Membership renewal reminder Please be aware that this is your last issue of The Achiever if you choose not to renew your membership. A renewal form has been included on pages 9 and 10 for your convenience.