EYE-Q NEWS Retina Australia (Qld) Inc. Quarterly Newsletter - Issue 94 Winter Edition 2011 94 - Winter - 2011 CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S LETTER 2 DOCTOR ZHIVAGO 3 TRUE STORY? 3 NOVEL OCULAR PRODUCT 4 GRAFTON TRIP 6 QUANTUM PRODUCTS 6 NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE 7 LUCENTIS AND AVASTIN 8 QUEENSLAND VISION WEBSITE 10 DIGITAL RECORDER 10 LIFETEC 11 MEET ONE OF OUR MEMBERS 12 IRD REGISTER AND DNA BANK 14 RETINAL PROSTHESIS 16 SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION 18 DIARY DATES COFFEE MORNINGS Brisbane City Library - 9:30 – 11:00am THURSDAY 9TH JUNE The Public Trustee & BCC THURSDAY 14TH JULY The gift of a quilt THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER LUNCH WITH JIM SATURDAY 18TH JUNE see flyer GREYHOUND RACE DAY THURSDAY 30TH JUNE see flyer PICNIC AT WYVENHOE SUNDAY 24TH JULY see flyer Mission Statement: To provide information and the opportunity of support to people and families affected by inherited retinal dystrophies. With the support of the Australian community, to raise funds to finance scientific research into the causes, prevention and cure of retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal dystrophies. PRESIDENT’S REPORT The General Meeting was held in March at which time Rose Fraser stepped down from the role of President. All present were saddened that Rose was leaving this role, however were glad that Rose would continue as a member on the management committee. The treasurer’s report showed that Retina Qld was in a financially sound state, and noted that the last of the $30,000 annual contributions had been paid to the Inherited Retinal Eye Disease Register project. The guest speaker was Dr Christopher Manning, registrar, Genetic Health Queensland, who presented a most informative discussion on genetics. The coffee mornings continue to be well attended and listening to interesting speakers is always exciting. In March, a Brisbane City Librarian kindly took us on a tour of the library, identifying audio and audio-visual books as well movies/DVD’s and the like. The library hosts a number of events such as author talks, computer classes and board games. More information can sourced at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au The speaker in April was Delma Osborne (Solicitor), who spoke about her role as Manager of Confiscations from the proceeds of crime. The area of ‘Confiscations’ is a little known department within the Queensland Government whose total existence is devoted to recouping ill-gotten gains of drug dealers, corrupt politicians and anyone else who makes a profit out of crime. The ever popular bus trip was enjoyed by over 20 happy travellers. This visit was to The Caboolture Historical Village. The morning started off with scones and tea/coffee as soon as we arrived after a 45 minute bus trip with the ever popular Mr Nice Guy Peter Housego as our driver. We then boarded a little train for a 5-10 minute trip, and with the help of a knowledgeable guide, a short walk to discover a wonderful array of authentic historical buildings, and volunteer coopers and blacksmiths showing their skills of yesteryear. There was time to look at curios and gems and of course time to shop. A BBQ lunch and time for a stroll in the gardens and then it was time to go home. Thanks Grant for the wonderful biscuits on the way home. I am writing this report in Sydney during a break in the National Blind Bowling Championship competition 10th -20th May. John Vance is now the President of the Australian Blind Bowlers Association and attended in this role at the very successful Trans-Tasman competition the week prior to this event. The weather has been very cold and a bit of a challenge to Queenslanders, however we are rallying to the cause but it is early days yet. There will be a detailed report in the next newsletter. Jan Maclean DOCTOR ZHIVAGO Audio-described performances for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Tuesday 2 August at 7.30pm and Wednesday 3 August at 1.30pm Lyric Theatre QPAC Access Arts QLD Inc., Vision Australia and QPAC are pleased to announce that Vision Australia's Audio Description Service will be available for two performances of the new musical, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, with live descriptions of the visual elements to complement the theatre experience. Trained Audio Describers provide the commentary with concise descriptions of actions, expressions and gestures. The description is transmitted via earpiece and patrons wishing to receive the audio description service may book seats in any area of the theatre (subject to availability Patrons collect headsets at the Cloakroom, Ticket Sales Foyer, Mezzanine Level and need to be seated 15 minutes before the performance to receive program details. To secure your booking please call Qtix Group Sales on (07) 3840 7466 or email groups@qtix.com.au Office hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm The producers of Doctor Zhivago have kindly donated two tickets to the audio described production, for us to raffle. Every member who renews, or has already renewed, their membership by 30th June will receive 1 free entry in the draw. For our regional members – this is worth a trip to Brisbane. But, if not, you can choose from some classic audio books or a Uniden SS E27+1 phone. Extra raffle tickets are available for $2 each – contact the office. The raffle will be drawn on 5th July. HEARD THAT THIS WAS A TRUE STORY – BUT WHO KNOWS ... A few middle aged couples are chatting at a dinner party when Grant starts talking enthusiastically about a new restaurant he has just visited with his wife. “What’s its name?”, demands a friend. Grant looks blank. There is an awkward pause. “What are those good-smelling flowers with thorns called again?” he eventually asks. “A rose”, he is told. “Yes, that’s it”, Grant announces before turning to his wife. “Rose, what’s that restaurant we went to the other night?” APPROVAL FOR NOVEL OCULAR PRODUCT IN STARGARDT DISEASE Oxford BioMedica Press Release - 21/03/2011 Second of four products in Phase I/II ocular programme partnered with sanofi-aventis approved to enter clinical development Oxford BioMedica, a leading gene therapy company, announces that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the Phase I/IIa clinical development of StarGen™, a novel gene-based treatment for Stargardt disease. StarGen™ was designed and developed by Oxford BioMedica using the Company's proprietary LentiVector® platform technology and is the second programme to enter clinical development under the Phase I/II ocular collaboration agreement signed with sanofi-aventis in April 2009. The approval of the IND follows the decision by the US Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) to approve the StarGen™ Phase I/IIa protocol in January 2011. Oxford BioMedica will enrol up to 28 patients with Stargardt disease in a multinational, open label, dose escalation Phase I/IIa study with planned sites in France and the US. The study is anticipated to be initiated in Q2 2011. Three dose levels will be evaluated for safety, tolerability and aspects of biological activity. In the US, the study will be led by Dr Peter Francis at the Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. In France, Professor Jose-Alain Sahel will lead the study at the Centre Hospitalier Nationale D’Opthalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris. Stargardt disease is the most common juvenile degenerative retinal disease which affects approximately 80-100,000 patients in the US and Europe. The disease is caused by a mutation of the ABCR gene which leads to the degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina and vision loss. StarGen™ uses the Company's LentiVector® platform technology to deliver a corrected version of the ABCR gene. On the basis of pre-clinical data, it is anticipated that a single application of StarGen™ to the retina could provide long-term or potentially permanent correction. There are currently no approved treatments available for Stargardt disease. StarGen™ has received European and US Orphan Drug Designation which brings development, regulatory and commercial benefits. John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford BioMedica, said: “Following the recent initiation of the RetinoStat® Phase I study, StarGen™ will be our second ocular product, partnered with sanofi-aventis, to enter first-in-man studies in the US. Receiving IND approval to advance StarGen™ into Phase I/IIa development represents further endorsement of our LentiVector® platform by the US regulatory agencies and, with no currently approved treatment, this novel product brings significant hope for the future to Stargardt patients.” Dr Stephen Rose, Chief Research Officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, an early funding collaborator of Oxford BioMedica’s pre-clinical ocular programme, said: “As an initial funder of the project we are pleased to move forward with a StarGen™ Phase I/IIa clinical trial, which reinforces the exciting potential for gene therapy to treat patients with Stargardt disease and other vision-robbing retinal degenerations. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is committed to accelerating the translation of laboratory-based research into clinical trials, ultimately getting successful treatments for rare diseases like Stargardt to the market and to patients who need them. Our relationship with Oxford BioMedica is an excellent example of this mission in action.” Under the terms of the agreement signed with sanofi-aventis in April 2009, Oxford BioMedica is responsible for the pre-clinical and initial Phase I/II studies of four lentiviral vector-based product candidates in the field of ophthalmology: RetinoStat® for “wet” age-related macular degeneration, StarGen™ for Stargardt disease, UshStat® for Usher syndrome 1B and EncorStat® for corneal graft rejection. Oxford BioMedica will receive committed funding of up to US$24 million over the initial phase of development. Oxford BioMedica granted sanofi-aventis a license to develop the products and an option for further development, manufacture and commercialisation on a worldwide basis. At any time prior to or within a defined period after completion of each Phase I/II study, sanofi-aventis can exercise its option to license the products and will then assume responsibility for on-going activities. Sanofi-aventis also has rights to broaden its license to develop the four products in additional indications, and has rights of first refusal to license other lentiviral vector-based products for the treatment of ocular diseases. NEED A HOLIDAY? Fabulous 5 night getaway Grafton package Sunday 23rd to Friday 28th October Join fellow members for a great 5-night holiday in beautiful Grafton (it’s Jacaranda Festival time) and surrounding districts. The low cost of $449 per person twin-share includes: 5 x fabulous nights at 3-star Hilldrop Motor Inn Grafton. 5 x two course evening meals 5 x country style hot breakfasts 3 x morning teas and 2 x afternoon teas (no lunches included) 4 x full day scenic bus tours with interesting commentary. Transfers to and from Grafton Railway Station or Bus Exchange Does not include transport to and from Grafton or you may wish to drive. Itinerary: Day 1. Depart Roma Street train station at 6.30 am arriving in Grafton at 11.15 am to be met and transported to our Motel. Train fares for Concession cardholders; $33.44 or first-class $44.96. Days 2, 3, 4 and 5. Full-day bus tours of Grafton and surrounding districts such as Yamba, Coffs Harbour and Glen Innes. Day 6. Depart Grafton 7.25 am by Premier coach arriving Roma Street Transit Centre at 12.30 pm. Cost for Concession cardholders $50. Full itinerary by request or www.hilldrop.com.au Only 7 twin-share rooms available. Bookings close Friday 6th June or when sold out. Deposit $20 per person upon confirmation of booking. Contact Anne at the office ASAP for further information or to register your interest. NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME The following information is from the Every Australian Counts website, which is the formal campaign calling for the development of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/about/the_need_/ The need for a national disability insurance scheme It is hard to believe that in a democratic country as wealthy as Australia that people with a disability and their families are still left to struggle alone every day. Most Australians assume that if people are born with a disability or acquire one later in life, that some system, somewhere, will take care of them. Nothing could be further from the truth. People with a disability, their families and carers know only too well the daily struggle for services and support, how often the system fails to deliver essential services. They know how often desperate families are left to fill the gaps. There is also huge inequity – people receive different levels of support depending on how, when and where their disability was acquired. And the situation will only grow worse in the future. As the population ages, the number of people with a disability will increase. At the same time, the number of unpaid carers – family members and friends – willing and able to provide support will decrease. It is therefore time to take stock and plan for the future. A National Disability Insurance Scheme represents a fundamental reform to the way services are funded and delivered. It is a social reform on the scale of the introduction of Medicare and compulsory superannuation – two safety nets now taken for granted by every Australian. Disability won’t happen to everyone but it could happen to anyone, anytime. All Australians deserve the peace of mind that would come with knowing that support will be there if they need it. And we all benefit from a more inclusive, more diverse community. But this scheme will not become a reality unless there is broad-based community support. Visit www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au for more information about how you can become involved. LUCENTIS AND AVASTIN EQUALLY EFFECTIVE FOR AMD Foundation Fighting Blindness, US, website – www.blindness.org One-year results from a clinical trial show that Lucentis® and Avastin® were equally effective in preserving vision in people with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Known as the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials (CATT), the 1,200-participant multicenter study is the largest comparison to-date of the two popular AMD treatments. The highly-anticipated results were published online Thursday, April 28, in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study also revealed that safety of the two treatments was similar, and that effective treatment with either drug can likely be accomplished on an as-needed basis rather than through a monthly regimen. Both Lucentis and Avastin are administered through an injection in the eye, so achieving positive results through less-frequent injections is an encouraging outcome. Investigators note that the second year of the study will provide more information on overall safety as well as optimal frequency of treatments for patients over the long term. The National Eye Institute launched the study because Avastin is prescribed by many doctors as a low-cost alternative to Lucentis. Lucentis was approved by the FDA for treatment of wet AMD in 2006. Avastin is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of wet AMD, and is prescribed off-label for the condition. A Lucentis treatment costs approximately $2,000 per dose while an Avastin treatment for wet AMD costs approximately $50-$100. Both Lucentis and Avastin work by reversing and preventing further the growth of unhealthy blood vessels underneath the retina that are characteristic of wet AMD. “The CATT study is important because Lucentis and Avastin are both widely used as wet AMD treatments. Results from the study are helping patients and their doctors make informed decisions. It is important that patients ask their doctor which treatment is best for them,” says Stephen Rose, Ph.D., chief research officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “We need to keep in mind that these are interim one-year results from a two-year study. We may learn more in the study’s second year.” Participants were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups. Two groups received monthly injections of Lucentis or Avastin, and two groups received injections of either Lucentis or Avastin on an as-needed basis. Participants who received monthly injections of Lucentis or Avastin experienced virtually the same improvement in their vision. Visual acuity improvement for patients in the as-needed group, whether receiving Lucentis or Avastin, was also nearly the same. In regard to safety, the investigators reported there was no difference between the two treatments in the rate of death, heart attack, or stroke. The rate of other serious adverse events was 24.1 percent for Avastin patients vs. 19.0 percent for those receiving Lucentis. Investigators say that a study with more patients is needed to better understand the significance, if any, of these differences in safety. Avastin was originally developed by Genentech as a treatment for certain cancers. The treatment blocks the proliferation of blood vessels that allow tumors to grow larger. Genentech later developed Lucentis, which was derived from the same monoclonal antibody as Avastin, as an approach to blocking the growth of vision-robbing, leaky blood vessels under the retina that are the hallmark of wet AMD. While Lucentis was being evaluated in clinical trials, doctors not in the clinical trials began treating their wet AMD patients with Avastin, because there were virtually no other effective therapy options available, and they knew the drugs were similar in their effect. Lucentis was approved by the FDA in 2006, though physicians continue to prescribe Avastin for wet AMD because of its low cost and effectiveness. AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people in developing countries who are 50 years of age or older. Approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. currently have wet AMD. More than eight million individuals 50 and older in the U.S. are at risk of developing wet AMD. A Sunday school teacher was discussing The Ten Commandments with her six-year olds. After explaining the commandment to 'honour thy father and thy mother' she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat, one boy (the oldest of a family of seven) answered, "Thou shalt not kill." QUEENSLAND VISION WEBSITE Queensland Vision Initiative Inc. (QVI) has established a website: www.qvi.org.au to provide a centralised site for information on vision-related services. As well as featuring details about eye conditions, the website incorporates up-to-date information on eye health services in Queensland, referral pathway resources for health professionals, links to other vision-related organisations, and promotes news and events throughout the state. So if you have, or know someone, with vision loss, visit the QVI website today and if you do not find the information you are looking for send a query to our team. This website has been developed by QVI, an alliance of 24 vision-related organisations, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, GPs, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses, diabetes educators, pharmacists, support groups and low vision service providers. These agencies are working together with the aim of reducing the incidence of avoidable vision impairment and blindness within the Queensland population QVI is a member of Vision 2020 Australia, a national body working in partnership with many agencies to prevent avoidable blindness and improve vision care. OLYMPUS DM-5 - PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL RECORDER Olympus DM-5 - Professional Digital Recorder The DM-5 is a state-of-the-art voice recorder. CD-quality multi-format playback and recording combine with sophisticated features like Voice Guidance, Voice Commands, Text to Speech and DAISY 2.02 to make DM-5 the choice for discerning users. With linear PCM, MP3 and WMA compatibility, the DM-5 is ideal for anyone who needs crystal-clear sound anytime, anywhere - from business professionals and journalists to photographers, students, the visually impaired and print disabled. With the DM-5, users can enjoy a wide variety of media for work and leisure, including audio recordings, music, audio books, podcasts and images. The new series matches top media players feature by feature with up to 8GB of flash memory, a microSD slot, versatile recording options, multilingual menus, a large backlit colour display and rechargeable battery. What’s more, the supplied Olympus Sonority file management software is compatible with both PCs and Macs. Illness, injury and the march of time are all factors that can impact on a person’s independence. One organisation helping people of all ages to increase their independence and quality of life is LifeTec Queensland. LifeTec is a statewide organisation providing free information and advice on assistive technology: products and aids designed to promote independence and support all aspects of everyday living. Qualified health professionals including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists provide information, expert advice and can demonstrate a range of options based on each individuals needs. As an impartial, not for profit advisory service, LifeTec does not retail products, but will recommend where to purchase selected items. LifeTec’s health professionals can advise people on a range of equipment options available to assist people with low or no vision. These include magnification devices, large print material, talking equipment such a clocks, watches, computer access equipment, kitchen equipment, general household aids, and ideas and equipment to making getting around the home and the community easier and safer. LifeTec’s enquiry line is available six days a week on 1300 885 886 and LifeTec’s free database of more than 6,000 assistive technology solutions is freely available to browse from our website. For more information about LifeTec’s services please contact 1300 885 886 (Local call costs), email mail@lifetec.org.au or visit www.lifetec.org.au MEET ONE OF OUR MEMBERS: A conversation with Rosa Binello Growing up in Innisfail, I wanted to be …. a school teacher. My parents were …. very hard working. My dad died when I was 10. He always had time for us, taking us to the pictures, and for picnics at the beach. My mum was a beautiful mum. She raised three children on a pension, but we never wanted for anything. As a child I was …. quiet, shy, much more reserved than I am now. I was studious and loved reading. I had to read some pages twice, not realising that I had RP. I played a lot with the neighbourhood kids often riding our bikes down the cane paddocks. I have lived in …. Townsville, Albury-Wodonga, Darwin, Wallangarra, and Melbourne, as well as Innisfail. My husband was in the army for 15 years. My current family is …. my husband, my son and his wife and their two daughters, and my daughter and her husband and their daughter, so I have three beautiful grand-daughters. My first job was …. as a clerk in a solicitor’s office. Other jobs included working as a clerk in the ANZ bank, a public servant in the Tax Office, a co-ordinator at the TAFE college and a clerk in a travel agency and newsagent. This was the best job as it was where I met my husband. He suddenly started coming into the newsagent every day, to collect his father’s newspaper. Something that my friends may not know about me is …. that I like to write, especially poetry about people who I have known. In my spare time I …. I do scrapbooking. I also volunteer at the local nursing home twice each week. Monday is ice-cream and bingo day. Singers come in on Tuesday, and Sister Pat, an Irish nun, comes on another day. Prior to volunteering at the nursing home, I volunteered for ten years at the Community Support Centre where I also was a Tax Help Volunteer. I also still love reading, but now use audio books. Some of my favourite authors are Nora Roberts, Linda La Plante, and Ruth Rendell. I love murder mysteries. My worst habit is …. that I talk too much. The word which best describes me is …. friendly and outgoing. My visual condition …. Is RP. I was apparently born with it and probably had it when they started testing me at 18, but it was not diagnosed until I was in my late 30s. I have had cataracts removed from both eyes. My link to Retina Queensland …. was prompted by my involvement with a VI group in Darwin. Once I joined RAQ, I fondly remember the encouragement of Graeme Ferguson. I coordinate the local Innisfail Vision Impaired Support Group, which meets bi-monthly. I also write their newsletter. I attended the Retina Australia National Congress in Canberra. My support comes from …. Guide Dogs, RAQ, and Vision Australia which has an office in Cairns. Guide Dogs trained me to use my cane, although I often lose it when I am out in the community. The upside to being visually impaired …. Is that I don’t have to drive on the road with all of today’s crazy drivers. The question I am asked most is …. “when are you going to get a guide dog?” I prefer my cane. I’m not sure if I could care for a guide dog as they so well deserve to be! The advice my mother gave me …. was to never judge anybody because you never know when you may be in the same boat. My advice …. is always look on the bright side. You can now purchase Quantum products online! You can now buy online with Quantum, anytime. Our Online Shop will feature most of our new product ranges including our Optical Magnifiers and Lighting products, so be sure to keep an eye out. To celebrate, we are offering FREE SHIPPING with every online order for a limited time only! Start shopping now at quantumrlv.com.au/Shop To sign-up for our newsletter mailing list, register your details on our Home Page (www.quantumrlv.com.au) before you start shopping! RETINA AUSTRALIA FUNDED AUSTRALIAN INHERITED RETINAL DISEASE REGISTER AND DNA BANK Since 1 April, 2009 the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Register and DNA Bank, utilising facilities at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, W.A., has been in operation with the Retina Australia initiative being a necessary progression of research involving retinal gene therapies. The very significant success with animal trials gave the impetus for human trials to be approved and to commence. The development and application of a gene therapy for an individual requires knowledge of the nature of that individual’s genetic defect. This is done by provision of a blood (or in some instances saliva) sample from which the DNA is then extracted with such being ‘sequenced’ to attempt to determine the specific gene responsible for the inherited retinal disease. Over 2000 DNA samples have now been obtained. Retina Australia has funded the exercise through until 31 March, 2012 with the expectation being that around 3000 DNA samples will have been collected during the three years involved. The Department administering the program has indicated to Retina Australia that, after the initial strong response from Retina Australia members across Australia, there has been a slowing in the receipt of expression of interest forms. Involvement in the program is voluntary however members are strongly urged to participate. In due course the department will then contact the member seeking a DNA sample and family history information (family tree etc. covering blood relatives). The department will provide everything needed for the sample to be collected. Other than for the cost of getting to and from the pathologist there will be no cost to the program participants – such being covered by the Retina Australia funding. For privacy and possible family sensitivity reasons, the results of the DNA extraction, and subsequent analysis, will not be made known to the participants however if specific results show that they could possibly be eligible for gene therapies as they become available, or involvement with gene therapy trials, they may be advised to make contact with a genetic councillor to whom the DNA information will be made available. At the Retina International Congress in June 2010 it was indicated that gene therapy trials are in the pipeline for several specific IRD genes/groups including LCA (currently under way), Stargardt and Ushers with it being generally accepted that gene therapy activities are no longer regarded as solely research related activities – they are now close to being part of the clinical diagnosis and treatment process. This further emphasises the vital need for all Australian with an inherited retinal disease, and nominated blood relatives, to be part of the Australian IRD Register and DNA Bank. For information moves are currently under way to obtain funding to enable the extension of the program for a further three years as from 1 April, 2012. The second three year phase will see the continued collection of DNA material (i.e. from newly diagnosed persons etc.) but most importantly the sequencing of the DNA collected during the first three year phase. Graeme Banks President Retina Australia DATE CLAIMER Lunch, champagne & fashion parade at Harris Terrace. Saturday, 24th September. More details next newsletter so mark the day on your calendar! A PAT ON THE BACK FROM THE RA TREASURER Congratulations to current and past members for a remarkable effort in support of Australian research into inherited retinal disease. With the last contribution to the Inherited Retinal Disease Register, Retina Australia has exceeded $2million in research funding since 1998. These funds have supported 38 scientists funded for 30 projects in 16 different institutions, both here and in NZ. As a famous past president of RAQ once said “if it weren’t for the effort of small groups such as ours all over the world, there would not be the research that is going on today”. Keep up the good work. Little Tim was in the garden filling in a hole when his neighbour peered over the fence. Interested in what the rosy-cheeked youngster was up to, he politely asked, "What are you up to there, Tim?" "My goldfish died," replied Tim tearfully, without looking up, "and I've just buried him." The neighbour was concerned, "That's an awfully big hole for a goldfish, isn't it?" Tim patted down the last heap of earth then replied, "That's because he's inside your cat!" Second Sight Medical Products Announces European Market Approval of a Retinal Prosthesis for the Blind Argus™ II Retinal Prosthesis System is the first such treatment for the blind to obtain the CE Mark and make the leap from research to the marketplace. Lausanne, March 2, 2011 - After more than 20 years of research and development involving a team of international specialists, Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., the leading developer of retinal prostheses for the blind, is pleased to announce that its Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (“Argus II”) is now approved for sale in the European Economic Area (EEA). After a successful clinical trial involving more than 30 blind patients around the world, and a very thorough review of the product’s safety and performance by an independent expert body, this device becomes the first approved treatment ever available for sightless people. “After years of research, we are very happy to be able to offer a viable long-term solution for people suffering from advanced retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP),” said Robert Greenberg, MD, President and CEO of Second Sight. “The CE Mark approval, which comes after intense regulatory review of our trial and our device, represents a huge step forward for the field and for these patients who have, until now, had no proven treatment alternatives.” Argus II is Second Sight’s second generation implantable device intended to treat profoundly blind people suffering from degenerative diseases such as RP. The system works by converting video images captured from a miniature camera, housed in the patient’s glasses, into a series of small electrical pulses that are transmitted wirelessly to an array of electrodes on the retina. These pulses then stimulate the retina’s remaining cells resulting in the corresponding perception of patterns of light in the brain. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns thereby gaining some functional vision. Thirty patients participated in the clinical trial, using the device at home and in their daily lives since the trial started. Although the resulting vision is far from normal, investigators in the clinical trial of the Argus II are excited by the results. “After more than 3 years of clinical trials, we were happy to demonstrate the performance, safety and long-term reliability of Argus II,” explained Professor José-Alain Sahel, Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology: Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France. Adds Dr. Lyndon da Cruz, MD PhD Consultant Retinal Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK “ The fact that nearly all patients had a stable, safe and functioning system and that a majority of patients could recognize large letters, locate the position of objects and the best could read short words impressed us beyond our most optimistic expectations" With this CE Mark approval, the Argus II is planned to be available later this year in the following clinical centers: Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophthalmologie des Quinze-Vingts (Paris, France), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (Geneva, Switzerland), Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (Manchester, UK), and Moorfields Eye Hospital, (London, UK). Second Sight is actively adding sites to make the therapy more readily available across the EEA in the coming months and years. The company is also focused on obtaining insurance coverage for the device and surgical procedure. “This ‘artificial retina’ brings hope to thousands of people with advanced retinal diseases” added David Head, Chief Executive of the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society. “The restoration of an element of vision may bring with it the restoration of independence and mobility that would greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.” Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., located in Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1998 to create a retinal prosthesis to provide sight to patients blinded from outer retinal degenerations, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa. Through dedication and innovation, Second Sight's mission is to develop, manufacture and market implantable visual prosthetics to enable blind individuals to achieve greater independence. Argus II is not yet approved for sale in the United States. European Headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland. For more information please contact publicrelations@2-sight.com A lesson in child psychology Steve, a naughty five-year-old, had been misbehaving for quite some time. Suddenly his father appeared and asked, "Do you want to tell me how sorry you are?" "Not until I know how much you saw!" Steve stammered. SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN BRISBANE Vision Australia has a one bedroom accessible apartment available for use by people who are blind or have low vision and need to stay in Brisbane for medical appointments or rehabilitation programs. The modern apartment is fully self-contained. It has wheelchair access, twin beds, fully equipped kitchen with microwave and stove, laundry and television. The apartment is located in Fairfield, near the train station and the Fairfield Road City Bus. If required, a double sofa bed may be available. All linen supplied. To be eligible to use the unit you need to become a client of Vision Australia by phoning 1300 847 466. Bookings for the accommodation can be made for one night or up to two weeks at a cost of $35 per night. All enquiries to Angela Hodkinson on 07 3727 2345. This accommodation is funded with the assistance of the Queensland Department of Communities (Disability Services). THE BANK ACCOUNT ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, shaved perfectly, with his hair fashionably combed, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.  His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.  After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he manoeuvred his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.  'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.  Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; 'That doesn’t have anything to do with it,' he replied.  Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how I arrange my mind.  I already decided to love it... 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;   I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.  Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.  Just for this time in my life.  GUIDE DOGS CAMP Venue: Guide Dogs Queensland, 1978 Gympie Road BALD HILLS 4036 Guide Dogs Queensland has been fortunate to obtain sponsorship and support from the Non School Organisations (Commonwealth Special Education) Program to conduct School Student Programs at our Training Centre in Brisbane. Program Goals Enable participants to undertake various mobility exercises as appropriate to their age and school year level Activities include independent access to local services, use of public transport in busy residential, semi-business and CBD environs, map reading and resource utilisation Understanding environmental cues, streetscapes, traffic patterns, planning and budgeting Regional students intending to relocate to Brisbane to study at TAFE or University, upon completing and leaving school, are able to visit various campuses and explore related issues such as campus orientation, familiarisation and transport options Provide students with the opportunity to apply mobility concepts to practical day to day living experiences in unfamiliar environments. In 2011, Guide Dogs Qld has scheduled 5 Camps/Transition Programs including a Young Peoples Program with each Program having the capacity to host 5 students.  Each student will have their own self-contained room, including bathroom and kitchenette. A communal lounge and dining room are on site and all meals will be provided. Expressions of interest are being taken now – for further information please contact Client Services on 07 3500 9060 or and we will forward the necessary paperwork. Did you know that once you register your Entertainment Book online it gives you access to the MyBookings website for discounted accommodation? A member recently spent a week in New Zealand and used MyBookings for all accommodation. The saving was enough to pay for some nice meals. The rates are usually less than half the usual rate and at least 10% cheaper than the best price anywhere else – including the hotel’s own website! So if you have an Entertainment Book remember to check www.my-bookings.com.au before you book any accommodation. If you would like to buy and Entertainment Book please contact RAQ office on 07 300 300 65 REMINDER LIST * Membership Renewal Free raffle ticket if paid by 30th June * Grafton Trip 23rd to 28th October Bookings by Friday 6th June * Lunch with Jim Saturday 18th June * Greyhound Race Day Thursday 30th June * Picnic at Wyvenhoe Sunday 24th July * Fashion Parade Saturday 24th September Next Issue Deadline for articles 15th August 2011 EYE-Q NEWS • WINTER 2011 • ISSUE 94 PUBLISHED BY RETINA AUSTRALIA (QLD) INC. - 13 -