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In Touch: Covid and Sight Loss; Retinitis Pigmentosa Research

26/07/2022

Covid and Sight Loss; Retinitis Pigmentosa Research

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Covid and Sight Loss; Retinitis Pigmentosa Research

We examine the impact of Covid on eyesight with the Association of Optometrists.

We examine Covid-19's impact on eyesight. Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common inherited eye condition. Does the latest research give those affected grounds for optimism?

Previously on In Touch, Dr Peter Hampson, clinical Director of the Association of Optometrists warned of a possible link between Covid-19 and sight loss. We talk to Criminal Lawyer Paul Bacon and former children's Laureate Michael Rosen about their personal experience of this. We also get an update from Dr Hampson on what the latest data tells us.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is the most common inherited eye condition, affecting around one in four thousand people in the UK.  Currently, there is no known cure or effective treatments that can stop it's progression. Do the latest scientific advances give those affected grounds for optimism or would that be misplaced? The charity Fight for Sight is funding research to try and uncover new treatment strategies. We talk to their CEO, Keith Valentine and researcher Mike Cheetham to get their thoughts.      

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Fern Lulham
Production Coordinator: William Wolstenholme

Website image description: Covid test kit unboxed.

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