We set the scene for the Melbourne Fashion Festival: the hall, the designers, the models and the runway.

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How the ‘runway that never was’ came about through Vision Australia’s partnership with Melbourne Fashion Festival…

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Dr Lauren Ayton is leading a group of 21 investigators from CERA and the University of Melbourne to identify, assess and track the estimated 16 500 Australians with inherited retinal disease (IRD). This will allow the team to create a database with information about their vision, their genetic profile and whether they’re interested in taking part in clinical trials.

The research will also give the team a better understanding of the sub-types of IRD and how they progress.

Dr Lauren Ayton is a clinician-scientist with research interests in retinal disease, low vision and vision restoration. She is collaborating with Dr Thomas Edwards and Prof Keith Martin (CERA) on exciting new gene therapy programs for inherited retinal degenerations.

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June 13 is International Albinism Awareness Day with the theme of Made to Shine. We hear from Rebecca who is the mother of two young sons with Albinism. She talks about the supports she and her sons received, the importance of networking withing the albinism community and embracing being different.

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June 13 is International Albinism Awareness Day with the theme Made to Shine. We hear from Matt who tells us about living with Albinism, how he first knew he was different and his father's favourite quote.

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May 21 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) a day that focuses on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities and impairments.

Jamie Kelly, from the Library, is in conversation with Vision Australia’s National Manager of Digital Access, Neil King about the work his team does and what inclusion looks like in the digital landscape.

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Dr Zhichao Wu is a clinical researcher at CERA's macular research unit, whose work is specifically around the development of new treatments to prevent advanced late stage/wet age related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye break down, leading to loss of central vision. This can make it difficult to read, recognise faces, drive, and perform other everyday activities. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness and vision loss in Australia.

The CERA Podcast features monthly interviews with researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Australia focused on new findings and developments in eye health and vision loss. It is produced in conjunction with Vision Australia Radio.

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For the sake of personal hygiene people are being told to not to touch too many things and to keep our personal distance. Where does this leave people who are blind or have low vision who often relay of touch and guiding? We hear from O&M Specialist Bashir, who has extensive knowledge in this area and has some suggestions many of those are things he says blind and low vision people have been practicing for years.

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We speak with Access Technology Advisor for the Vision Shop, David Woodbridge about the educational tool, Cod Jumper,  that opens up the world of computer coding to blind children.

Launched recently by Vision Australia, Code Jumper, was originally designed by Microsoft and developed by American Printing House, and assists 7-11 year olds, regardless of their level of vision, to learn the basics of computer coding and programming skills. A tactile system of oversized buttons, knobs and cords, means that students learn by touching and listening, exciting the hands as well as the imagination.

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The Holman Prize is a major award from the Lighthouse Foundation worth $25,000, awarded for a project that encompasses a spirit of adventure for those who are blind or have low vision.

Singer, musician and Vision Australia braille music transcriber Jordie Howell is entering the Holman Prize with the aim of recording an album, in collaboration with Australian composers and composers who are blind or have low vision.

She's in conversation with Tess Herbert and talks about the inspiration and her dream of making the album. 

You can help Jordie fulfill a lifelong dream of sharing her voice with the world by going to the link and liking her video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3bkXe1d

More likes for her project proposal will help Jordie progress to the semi-finals, so please 'like' her video on YouTube and share with your friends! 

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