Michael has built on his work with the Low Vision Clinic at Moorfields, exploring new strategies to meet the needs of those with sight loss. He highlighted a revealing statistic that 40% of people screened for depression have sight loss. When vision cannot be treated, he emphasised the need for targeted wellbeing support. A concept that, while seemingly obvious, has not always been part of the conversation.
He also outlined his research into assistive technology and presented the latest tools on offer. Michael demonstrated a VR headset, noting that such technology remains limited by its high cost and size. Instead, he pointed to smartphones as the real game changer, remarkably powerful tools that many of us carry in our pockets. For example, the ‘Be My Eyes’ app uses AI to provide visual descriptions of a person’s surroundings through their smartphone camera, with the option to connect to human volunteers for additional support.
During a COVID-19 lockdown, a time when we were all looking for outlets, Michael shared with the group that he wrote a book. He mentioned that writing had always been his favourite part of research. His book uses patients to illuminate complex concepts around ophthalmology. It blends individual stories, key research findings and the latest research. Readers will meet artists, poets, scientists, architects, politicians, broadcasters and musicians. The book will be available in both free and paid versions via UCL.
Join our next sessions:
- An hour with Dr Shruti Chandra: Wednesday 16 April 2025 from 3 – 4 pm – BOOK HERE
- An hour with Prof Anthony Khawaja: Thursday 5 June 2025 from 3 – 4 pm – BOOK HERE
