In the In Focus Podcast, a member of the Retina International team speaks to invited guests ranging from researchers to influencers. They discuss current global issues that impact the visually impaired community and what’s being done to improve inclusivity and wellbeing for all. Through these discussions, we hope to shed light on topical issues.
In this episode of the In Focus Podcast, we sit down with former RI president Christina Fasser to talk about the challenges the retina community face when emerging from lockdowns into the “new normal.” Christina talks about adjusting to changes in one’s surroundings, attending regular eye check-ups, and re-entering the job market, as well as what governments and policymakers can do to ease these transitions.
2 Jun 2022
Season 2, Episode 7: Elfride De Baere
In this episode of the In Focus podcast, Retina International CEO Avril Daly speaks with Elfride De Baere about the importance of receiving a genetic diagnosis for IRDs.
Elfride De Baere, MD, PhD, is currently Professor of Ophthalmic Genetics at Ghent University, clinical geneticist at the Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital and Senior Clinical Investigator of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Her research areas of interest are the genomic and pathophysiological basis of inherited retinal diseases; developmental genetics and gene regulation; and clinical and functional genomics. She is the coordinator of several European research consortia and member of the European Retinal Disease Consortium (ERDC) and the European Reference Network for Rare Eye Diseases (ERN-EYE). Elfride serves/ on the scientific program committee of ARVO and ESHG and is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
In this episode, Avril and Elfride discuss the importance of genetic testing for IRDs from the perspective of research. Elfride tells us of the benefits of receiving a genetic diagnosis for retinal patients and their families, as well as the challenges that people in different regions face in accessibility. They close the episode by discussing what gives them hope for the future of genetic testing, including electronic platforms, educational programs, international registries, and more.
31 May 2022
Season 2, Episode 6: Jess of Visionaries
This episode is a true story that comes from Visionaries (https://visionaries.info/en/home.html), a series created in collaboration with Retina International and Roche to highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by people living with retinal conditions and their loved ones.
This is Jess’* story. She received an unexpected diagnosis of diabetes-related retinopathy and DME shortly after graduating from university.
In the beginning, Jess found treatment challenging and received little support. She became depressed, but a psychiatrist helped her feel more positive about the future.
“It’s difficult, but I’m determined to live my life as an ordinary person, to work, and have my own independence," Jess says.
Retina International CEO Avril Daly hosts this podcast with special guest commentator, Renza Scibilia, diabetes advocate who writes at ‘Diabetogenic (https://diabetogenic.blog/about/)’.
* This is a real story of a young woman living with DME in China. To respect her wish to remain anonymous, we are using the pseudonym of Jess and a voiceover actor in this podcast.
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