Hosts Dawn Prall and Shawn Doyle begin the episode discussing how people with Mac D and their family members maintain hope. They share examples of how individuals see a bright horizon and future hope in new treatments—and eventually a cure. They also find hope in data, information and research from driven scientists and medical researchers committed to discovering new treatments, medication, cures and eye care. 

Dawn and Shawn introduce ways to maintain independence with Mac D. One example is innovative assistive technology by Vispero to make individuals’ lives with Mac D easier and better, which they revisit toward the show’s closing. Later in the episode, they cover simple tools you can integrate into daily Mac D life to enhance the ability to see. They clarify and offer suggestions on three types of magnification: relative distance, relative size and angular. 

Shawn interviews leading retina specialist Dr. Timothy Murray as the episode’s special guest. Dr. Murray offers details and information about macular degeneration as a disease. He also shares what new treatments to look ahead to, as well as provides tips and strategies for patients and their caregivers, including key questions you should be asking your doctor. 

The podcast closes out with a featured segment from Bill Kilroy, Vispero Senior Sales Director for the Northeast, and Mike Woods, Strategic Accounts Manager for Education for Vispero, the world's largest assistive technology for the visually impaired serving people who are blind or low vision. Throughout this podcast, they highlight key Vispero products that can enhance people's lives.

In this episode, Bill and Mike talk about the recently released Optelec Compact 10 assistive technology—a portable electronic video magnifier with a 10-inch display and touchscreen, among other key features they share. Hosts Dawn and Shawn wrap up the episode with fun trivia and information on additional resources.  

What We Discuss in this Episode

This first episode covers the following featured topics: