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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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In Touch: Orbit Reader 20, Choroideremia breakthrough

Orbit Reader 20, Choroideremia breakthrough

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Orbit Reader 20, Choroideremia breakthrough

Long delayed but finally here... Peter checks out the new Orbit Reader 20.

The long-delayed Orbit Reader is finally here - what's in store for the RNIB's foray into an affordable refreshable braille device?

Two years ago the RNIB hailed the Orbit Reader 20 a revolutionary development in affordable, refreshable Braille, but despite assurances it would be available within six months, it took a long time coming. But it's here now and we put our questions to the RNIB's director of services David Clarke. 

And there's been a gene therapy breakthrough in the treatment of the rare eye condition, choroideremia.
 
Trials involving the injection of a virus containing a missing gene have been ongoing since 2011 at the Oxford Eye Hospital, and the newly published results show a significant gain in vision across the group of patients as a whole. We talk to Professor Robert Maclaren about his study, now led by Nightstar Therapeutics. And Joe Pepper, one of the patients, tells us how it transformed his life. 

Presented by Peter White
Produced by Kevin Core

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