NCBI: Recent Episodes
NCBI
NCBI-Working for People with Sight Loss. This podcast is brought to you by the National Council for the Blind in Ireland.It covers topics and information related to people who have any level of sight loss.For more information please visit www.ncbi.ie
In this episode Madeleine spoke to Conor Clifford who is a Gaisce Youth Ambassador. He has achieved the bronze and silver Gaisce medals so far and having a vision impairment has not held Conor back. He shared his experience and love of Ireland’s Youth Awards in the hope that you will be inspired to take part.
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in this episode Madeleine spoke to Fiona Kelty, Independent Travel Support Assistant with Dublin Bus. She explained how this service works and shared some useful tips to help people who are blind or vision impaired travel independently on public transport. For contact information to avail of this service nationally visit Independent Travel Support - Transport for Ireland.
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If you want to be inspired then this episode is for you! Madeleine spoke to Clark Reynolds, aka Mr Dot, about his recent participation in the Brighton marathon where he achieved a world first, by using Meta glasses and the Be My Eyes app to be his sighted guide. Apart from that, Clarke is an amazing artist and disability ambassador through his awareness raising activities.
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In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine spoke to Wiktoria Kaminska who is studying at Technical University Dublin in Tallaght. She is totally blind and has a significant hearing loss. Wiktoria described the many supports that are available to assist her to complete her studies but also she highlighted the challenges that she still faces.
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In this episode Madeleine spoke to Adela Buliman, Chief Accessibility Officer with Vially, about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the recent IAAP conference that they co-hosted at the Wayfinding Centre in Dublin recently. The discussion centred around the importance of users flagging to businesses issues with their services or systems and making complaints to the relevant regulator when there is non-compliance with the Act. You can find a list of all the EAA Regulators here.
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In this episode we spoke to Michael Grimes about the recent Canon “World Unseen” exhibition which was hosted in the Photo Museum, Dublin. It offered a tactile and sensory experience through elevated prints, audio descriptions, braille and NaviLens. The exhibition was designed to make photography more inclusive and to demonstrate how technology can transform the way we engage with visual storytelling.
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Do you want to become more physically active or take up a sport or learn how to support someone who is blind or vision impaired to participate in your local club/gymn? Padraig Healy, Vision Sports Ireland’s Nation Sport Development Manager, tells us how their National Strategy “Beyond Vision 2025-2028” aims to achieve this. Go to www.visionsports.ie to access resources and to become a member.
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Are you an experienced musician who is blind or vision impaired? Have you always wanted to be in a band? Well, if so, here is your opportunity. Tony Mc Donald plays electric bass in a gigging band and has been involved in many bands over the years where he is the only person with a vision impairment. He is now trying to form a band made up entirely of musicians who are blind or vision impaired.
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In this episode we talk to Dr Lucia Pintado Gutierrez following the publication of her report The Challenges of Audio Description in Ireland: Bridging Education, Users and Industry (ADESI). This research examines the current provision of audio description services in Ireland across media, theatre, museums and sport and how this could be improved.
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On this episode of Advocacy Talks, Jamie Millar tells us about budget 2026.
From social welfare payments to the cost of disability, here’s everything you need to know.
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On this episode of advocacy talks we catch up with Sean Moyles from vision sports Ireland to learn about his research into physical literacy for those with acquired visual impairments.
Sean also tells us about how he got into sport growing up, with major influence from his parents.
Have an acquired visual impairment? Complete Sean‘s survey here. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9G3_Y6KeI062qbTCTc4rvHW0LpBWS-9CkVP-EDCvHxtUMEtUUzJDWlJVSTBVSVkzTEI4TjlJRTFJVy4u
To get in touch with the advocacy team send an email to campaigns@vi.ie.
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On this episode of Advocacy Talks, we speak to Roisin Lenehan and Deirdre Deverell about the 2025 Clear Our Paths campaign.
From bins and cars to branches and dog poo, temporary obstacles on footpaths create risks for those who are blind or vision impaired, as well as just being a general pain.
With 16% of people requiring a hospital or doctor’s visit following an encounter with a temporary obstacle, we have one simple message:
Please, please, please, Clear Our Paths!!!
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On this episode of advocacy talks we catch up with Bobbie Hickey, who recently wrote a really interesting article for the Irish Times. With this month being disability pride month, what does it mean to be proud of something that so many people fear?
Bobbie also discusses her journey seeking support, and why it’s important to ensure you feel in control when doing so.
Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to campaigns@VI.ie
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In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine speaks with Tytti Matsinen, president of the European Blind Union.
They discuss what the EBU is and what issues it’s currently advocating on.
Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to campaigns@vi.ie
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This week is European Mental Health Week, 2025. so Madeleine caught up with our Head of Counselling, Wellbeing & Emotional Support Peter O’Toole to discuss “Mental Health as a Social Right**” From a discussion on loneliness to the services provided by the counselling team at Vision Ireland, there really is a lot to talk about.
Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to campaigns@vi.ie**
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Ahead of participating in this year‘s Riverdance summer school and performing at the evening reception of MayFest 2025, Méabh Conneely discusses her return to Irish dancing after losing her sight almost five years ago.
She speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced, and tells us about the people that helped make it possible for her.
Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to campaigns@vi.ie
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In this episode of Advocacy Talks, Stuart Haxell tells us about what it was like to gain back some vision following a new innovative gene therapy.
He also tells us about what it was like to have so much media attention on his story.
Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to campaigns@vi.ie.
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In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine chats with Stuart Lawler about INBAF, the Irish National Braille and Alternative Formats Authority.
They discuss the importance of advocating for yourself, and the significant benefits of Braille for blind people.
Want to join a Local Advocacy Network? Send an email to campaigns@vi.ie now.
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NCBIPodcast meets 4th year student Grace Gavin who confidently talks about how technology has helped her so much in her education. She talks passionately about the benefits of Transition Year and how it exposed her to new subjects as well as different trips she participated in. She encourages any other students with a vision impaired to actively speak up in the class if they have any difficulty.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does to empower people using technology, check out the NCBI Labs YouTube channel @ncbilabs
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Technology #TransitionYear #SecondarySchools #Education #Communication
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NCBIPodcast meets Stuart Haxell from Sligo, an avid blind tennis player who describes how he got involved in the sport and how it is adapted to ensure anyone who is blind or vision impaired can play. He chats passionately about the tournaments he’s participated in. He talks about the value participating in sport has on building new friendships and being good for overall wellbeing and physical fitness.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video!
If you're interested in more sports content on the #NCBIPodcast you can listen back to our episode with John Doherty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rletTz4oTm0
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Counselling #Sport #BlindTennis #Tennis #Fitness #Competition #Inclusion #Accessibility
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NCBIPodcast chats with Deirdre Leech who works with the Anne Sullivan Foundation delivering outreach services to people who are deafblind. She outlines the diverse services and supports on offer. She highlights the importance of developing alternative strategies for children who are deafblind to enable them to thrive, the use of tactile sign language and encourages all who are deafblind to be explicit in how they want to be communicated with to ensure they receive the support they need.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, please try out our range of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #Education #Deafblind #Communication
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NCBIPodcast meets Paraic Barnes, a psychologist who now has a positive outlook on life despite losing his sight very suddenly. He shares the importance of family, friends and NCBI tech club to help him adjust and is always heartened by strangers looking out for him. As with everything in life, he highlights that it is not always plain sailing but it is important to build resilience to help overcome challenges as they arise.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
The NCBI Podcast has many stories of how people overcame hurdles after they lost their sight. You can listen back to previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #Psychology #Resilience #Family #Support #Technology #Friendship
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NCBIPodcast meets Sheila McFarlane from Donegal who is vision impaired. A counsellor by profession, she gives her insights into the different challenges and similarities faced by those who are vision impaired from birth against those who acquire sight loss later in life. As a keen shopper, she shares her best shopping experiences.
If you liked this video, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video!
Sheila McFarlane's husband Gordon, a retired teacher who is blind, recently appeared on the #NCBIPodcast to chat to us as well. You can listen back to that episode at: https://youtu.be/xujjFOG8u1w
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Counselling #NCBIRetail #Retail #Shopping #Inclusion #Accessibility
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NCBIPodcast chats with Barry and Katie Ryan, parents to Maggie and Rosie who have Chromatopsia. They share how the ECLO (Eye Clinic Liaison Officer) services helped them understand, process and accept their daughters’ condition and how the ECLO is always a helpful resource to them at every step of their children’s development guaranteeing that their girls can thrive like everyone else.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI's ECLO service does for adults and children, you can watch our Vision Series episode on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFDJFMiG3kE
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #ECLO #NCBI
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NCBIPodcast chats with Sinead Kilcawley and her daughter Niamh who outline the lack of appropriate supports for blind pupils in doing state exams. Despite having the required assistive technology and the support of the school, Niamh talks about the inflexibility of the education system to respond to individual needs and how a 10 minute extra per hour and exam papers not being adapted puts her at a disadvantage.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, please try out our range of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #Education #Exams #AssistiveTechnology #Communication
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NCBIPodcast chats with Geraldine Cussen who is shop manager in NCBI Navan shop and is vision impaired. She reveals her joy of working with volunteers and customers and the sense of community it brings. She outlines the strategies she uses to support customers who are vision impaired and the importance of sharing that knowledge for everyone’s benefit.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work of NCBI in communities around Ireland, please check out more of the NCBI Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge519byWD81he5bWv98RdgeDN
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #NCBIRetail #Fashion #VintageFashion #Community #Education
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NCBIPodcast chats with Peadar Golden from Tier who talks about all things e-scooters. He supports many of NCBI’s concerns regarding use of e-scooters and outlines how Tier is addressing these in their shared schemes.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
On the topic of transport, NCBI previously spoke to Eugene Rooney on his Free Travel Pass win. You can listen back to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #Travel #EScooter #SafetyFirst #Accessibility #Advocacy #Education #Communication
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NCBIPodcast chats to John Doherty is an active sportsman and is doing a Masters in Disability Studies. He shares his passion for Park Run and the health and social benefits it brings. He highlights employers perceptions as being a real barrier to getting employment and he encourages everyone to seize opportunities and work to their own personal strengths.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI and Vision Sport does, check out our recent Advocacy Talks session about Vision Sports Ireland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n24WZLWiAU
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Exercise #Sport #BlindFootball #ParkRun #Employment
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NCBIPodcast chats with Gordon McFarlane, a retired teacher living in Donegal. He shares the different strategies used in his classroom once he went blind and how it lead to the best teaching experiences of his career. Presently, he is a radio presenter on Uplift FM. He advises anyone with a sight loss condition to face it so they can lead their life to the fullest.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite videos!
The #NCBIPodcast previously spoke to qualified secondary school teacher Claire Shorten about her challenges in finding a teaching role. You can listen back to this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTdvpiNFeCg&t=1s
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #Teaching #IrishRadio #IrishPodcasts #Hobbies #Music #Inclusion #Accessibility
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NCBIPodcast meets Brendan Laffan from Limerick who talks passionately about working in the NCBI Newcastlewest shop as well as previously being a local radio presenter and editor. He shares how his sighted colleagues initially helped him to ensure he can undertake all his duties. He enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie and loves being part of the community.
If you liked this video, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video !
If you're interested to learn about the many professions and interests that people who are blind or vision impaired take part in, check out previous editions of the #NCBIPodcast at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge519byWD81he5bWv98RdgeDN
You can also follow NCBI on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #BestJobs #IrishPodcasts #NCBIRetail #Retail #Shopping #LocalRadio #Inclusion #Accessibility
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NCBIPodcast meets Mary O’Sullivan from Kerry, mum to Grace (aged 12) who has Stargardt disease which largely affects her central vision. She highlights how Grace uses her Assistive Technology to thrive in school and recalls the huge community support received during their Pedal for Grace fundraising event that raised over €20k for NCBI.
If you liked this podcast, please subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share our content!
If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, you can watch episode four of the NCBI Vision Series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dTq57mWvxA
You can also follow NCBI on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightloss
- Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi
VisionImpairment #Blind #StargardtDisease #Fundraising #IrishPodcasts #Parenting #Inclusion #Accessibility
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NCBIPodcast meets Eugene Rooney from Dundalk who shares how he got Irish Rail to change and modernise their procedures for Free Travel Pass holders wishing to travel to Northern Ireland. This simplified process will benefit anyone with a disability and has spurred him on to progress other issues that need to be improved for people who are #Blind or #VisionImpaired.
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NCBIPodcast talks with Tina Lowe who recalls the frustrations, anger and laughter after becoming blind suddenly. It ignited a passion in her of making sure society is accessible to everyone which inspires her daily in her role as Accessibility Officer in UCD and has led to changes in the campus that enables all students with disabilities to enjoy all aspects of student life.
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NCBIpodcast chats with Seen Unseen project creator Clare McLaughlin. This interactive art project is about making art and culture more accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. Through a series of gallery or museum visits across Ireland participants (attending in-person or online) can have a tactile and interactive experience of different exhibitions. Seen Unseen has grown in popularity with participants from abroad also benefiting and plans for other arts and culture venue visits already planned for 2023. More details available: www.artistclaremclaughlin.org.
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#NCBIPodcast chats with 15-year-old vision impaired inventor of VIPMOD, Maura Moore McCune. Her designs aim to make it easier for pedestrians with sight loss to detect moving objects to ensure they can navigate their streetscape safely. She credit the strides in technology for giving people like her greater independence and believes there is plenty more scope to make the world more inclusive.
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NCBIPodcast marks World Mental Health Day by chatting to service users Breandan Ward, Leonard O’Mahoney and John Pepper about their participation in the Men’s Network. They highlight the power of talking and listening as an aid to improve mental health and the value of the Action for Happiness framework which guides of their discussion by exploring practical ways to enhance wellbeing.
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NCBIPodcast meets David Ryan who shares the joys and challenges of becoming a foster parent and how rewarding it is to his own family on a daily basis. He talks about his experience of being a mature student and encourages everyone not to be frightened to ask for help to ensure you get the supports, advice or help you need whatever the circumstances.
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NCBIPodcast talks to Chantelle Smith of NCBI Possibility Lab about the leadership they offer in accessibility and innovative design to create a built environment that works for all but particularly those who are blind or vision impaired. She brings both passion and experience to the access consultancy and awareness training they offer to professionals in the built environment e.g. architects and engineers. She encourages all interested to attend the Change this Space online seminar on 17th October 2022.
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NCBI podcasts meets Stuart Lawler who chats passionately about the importance of Braille in advancing inclusion of people who are blind or vision impaired in education, employment and leisure activities. He highlights how technology has made Music Braille more accessible and more commonly used for the benefit of blind musicians.
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NCBIPodcast meets Aoife Doherty, who is travelling around Europe in a campervan. She talks about the accessibility of campsites and tourist attractions against her accessibility criteria with some excelling and others failing. She encourages anyone interested in travelling to do so on their own terms so they can enjoy it entirely.
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NCBIPodcast talks to CEO and founder of the Culinary Ability Awards, Chris Sandford. Chris explains the origins and format of these pan disability culinary awards and invites anyone with a vision impairment and a passion for food to consider participating in the different events and competitions he runs.
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NCBIPodcast chats with Katie Abrahams a student who has a very rare condition called LCHAD affecting her vision and metabolism. She shares how positive her school was in responding to her needs and abilities and how she’s had mixed experiences in different universities. For her, good cohesion between disability services, academic staff and the student are vital to increasing participation of students with disabilities in 3rd level as is the importance of public awareness of vision loss.
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NCBIPodcast talks with Dylan Rees about his passion for snooker, his successes as a vision impaired snooker player and his plans to extend the sport to more people living with sight loss. He invites people to try the game and shares his plans for hosting a tournament next year in Carlow. www.sbireland.ie
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NCBIPodcast chats with Aine Sullivan, a music student who loves to sing and is an avid rower. She recalls her wonderful experience of being the Germany Rose in the Rose of Tralee Festival and how the Irish network is so important across the globe. She encourages everyone with a sight loss condition to focus on their strengths and passions as these don’t change even when your vision deteriorates.
Instagram = @aine.m.sullivan
Facebook = @ainesullivan
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NCBIPodcast meets Robbie Ford who talks about the power of positivity thinking when adjusting to living with sight loss, encouraging everyone to focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. He describes his joy of being made permanent in his position and how he’s also become a motivational speaker and comedian. Check him out: www.optimisteyes.com.
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Eleanor Burke chats to the #NCBIPodcast about living with Aniridia, a rare eye condition affecting the development of the iris. She recalls her own school experience and being the first to attend college in contrast to the recent strides made in inclusive education and technology which really benefits the younger generation who are vision impaired. She invites anyone with Aniridia to get in touch as there is real value in people with the same condition to share experiences and support each other.
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NCBIPodcast meets Joe McPhillips from Wexford. He chats about the upheaval he experienced after losing his sight quickly. He’s now an avid Apple fan and has embraced technology to give him the confidence to stay connected and navigate his surroundings safely and independently.
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NCBIPodcast speaks to Jade McCormack about the joys and challenges of parenting with a vision impairment. She shares the tips and tricks she uses when at home or out and about with her daughter and the importance of relying on her gut instincts given each child is unique.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIPodcast meets Claire Shorten who is a qualified secondary school teacher actively looking for a teaching position. Her passion, enthusiasm and determination shines as she shares her love of teaching, frustrations of her recruitment challenges and pleasure at being the facilitator for the East Local Advocacy Network. She encourages anyone who is blind or vision impaired to never stop dreaming of achieving their personal goals.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIPodcast meets Gerard McHugh from Laois. Gerard outlines how his life has been turned upside down due to his deteriorating sight loss and having had a stroke, the impact it’s had on his daughter and being unable to pursue his passion for motorbikes. He shares his frustration at the inflexibility of Government systems to adequately support people who are blind or vision impaired financially despite the evidence of the additional costs incurred.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIPodcast meets Roisin Lenihan, a Mayo native who has Aniridia and Glaucoma. She tells of the importance of being able to speak up for yourself and how she’s participating in the NCBI Employment Advocacy Network. She shares how she enjoyed her work experience in Knock airport and her hopes for getting a job in customer service there again.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIPodcast talks to Ciara Barrett from Cork who shares her frustrations at the lack of understanding people have about sight loss and the need for us to collectively educate the public so there is less focus on disability and more on the individual person. She chats about her positive involvement in the South Local Advocacy Network where her views are heard and the progress of the traffic light campaign.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIPodcast meets inspiring student Sarah McGowan, currently doing an Erasmus term in Canada. She chats about how the move from Waterford to Trinity College Dublin helped her gain independence and confidence to move to Toronto. Drawing on her own school experiences, she strongly encourages anyone who is blind or vision impaired to speak up for themselves to ensure their needs are met.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIpodcasts meets Clare Cassidy who is passionate about cooking and swimming. She shares how her determination has enabled her to pursue these two passions despite her sight loss. She highlights how the weekly Check-in and Chat group has helped her through Covid – the friendships, support and opportunity to meet new people who are also blind or vision impaired.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIpodcast This episode chats with Geraldine Conway, a chatty friendly woman who is always up for a challenge. She discusses how joining the online group sessions organised by NCBI throughout Covid19 was a great way to stay connected and make friendships with others in similar situation. She encourages anyone living with sight loss to know they can do anything it just has to be done a different way but never stop trying out new experiences or activities and always have a sense of humour.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIpodcast chats with Tony Murray who credits NCBI for helping ensure he had an active and enjoyable childhood along with his sighted siblings. Tony, an IT specialist and current Board member of NCBI, is delighted his current employer The Central Bank is such a proactive inclusive employer as he can see it benefits all staff and prospective employees with disabilities.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBI Podcast chats with Cork based radio fanatic David Redmond. He shares his passion for radio and the wider media industry and how he is always diversifying his skill sets to begin a career in this field. His philosophical and positive outlook on life shines throughout.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBI podcast chats with Katie McGrath who became visually impaired as a result of a brain tumour. She speaks candidly about the shock & trauma of surgery and adjusting to living with sight loss. She shares her story openly in her book Heads and Tales in the hope it helps others going through similar situations. #NCBIpodcast
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
Kicking off European Week of Sport, the first Vision Sports’ Zero Limits Track Day was held on Thursday, September 23rd, at Mondello Park. Head of NCBI Communications and Advocacy June Tinsley caught up with some of the participants on the day to get their reaction straight off the track!
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
NCBIpodcasts chats with UCC Law student Lisa O’Donovan. She openly talks about how NCBI helped her with her learn to get around safely, the benefit online learning had to her college experience and the importance of being patient with yourself when adjusting to life with low vision.
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NCBIpodcasts chats with Silvia Maria Crowley a visually impaired barrister who has recently been called to the Bar. She talks about how NCBI assisted her to adjust and maintain her levels of independence in home and college when she suddenly became visually impaired. Now she begins her career in the courtroom grateful that the profession is embracing more technology so she can have case files and records in her preferred format.
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NCBIpodcast chats to Lina Kouzi, of NCBI Library and Media Centre about NCBI's Library and its vital role in the lives of service users for over 90 years. Lina explains what it entails to make local, national and international publications accessible, whether through Braille, audio, digital or large prints. She explains why there has been a significant increase in people joining the NCBI library in recent years and how the NCBI library was the only library in Ireland that remained open throughout the Covid19 pandemic.
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NCBIpodcast NCBI CEO Chris White discusses the new NCBI Strategic Plan 'Your Ambition Our Mission 2021-2023' and how timely it is given NCBI is celebrating 90years since its founding in 1931. He outlines how the organisation intends to evolve more to ensure it becomes more responsive and engaged with people living with sight loss as well as informing and challenging public services to be more accessible and understanding so society becomes more inclusive.
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Robert describes how his life changed when he lost his vision quickly and how learning new ways to continue on his hobbies of DIY helped ensure his own independence and help challenge perceptions of others in what he was now capable of achieving.
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NCBIpodcasts speaks with Senator Martin Conway who shares what it is like being the first visually impaired Senator in Ireland. He talks about the importance of increasing the employment level among people who are blind or vision impaired, the strides made to achieve this and the work yet to be done to create a level playing field.
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NCBIpodcast Maria Greenan talks about her passion for music and how learning the piano as child was her priority far more than focusing on her vision impairment. Now a successful piano teacher she uses different techniques to teach and admits the move to online teaching due to Covid19 has brought some bonuses.
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NCBIpodcast Ciaran Taylor talks about Sightless Cinema which is a successful radio drama workshop for people who are blind or vision impaired. He explains how Sightless Cinema productions evolve, have offered an immersive experience in cinemas and is now adapting online. New workshops are starting in April 2021 and open to all interested persons. No experience necessary. Details from Liz.Sheehan@ncbi.ie
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Madeleine McNamara chats openly about the joys and challenges of being a mother with a vision impairment and having a child with a vision impairment. From the daily life hacks, she uses to have a greater awareness of what her child will face to knowing the importance of encouraging her child’s independence so she can reach her potential.
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Entrepreneur and investor Sean Gallagher shares how innovative surgery during childhood helped treat his cataracts. He shares how success is less about intelligence and more about a mindset where resourcefulness, resilience and self-belief are core components. He highlights the importance of empathy and the need for greater public self-awareness of their words and actions.
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Paudie Cotterell, a Kilkenny farmer with a vision impairment, chats about the techniques and aids he uses to tend to his animals safely and how Covid19 has affected the farming community. He highlights how there should be more employment opportunities and support for people who are blind or vision impaired including self-employment and the importance of peer support when living with sight loss.
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This week on our podcast we caught up with our new Head Of Retail, Beverley Scallan who filled us in on the appointment of her new role, her background and what's next for NCBI retail.
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Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common eye condition affecting people over the age of 50 in Ireland. Today, NCBI publishes research into what it is like to live with Wet AMD and captures patient experiences of the health care treatment they have received. Listen to research participant Maria McAuley tell her story of living with the eye condition since being diagnosed 18 months ago.
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Maedhbh Hennessy talks about the power of dispelling people’s perceptions of having a disability by showing her abilities and skills in her job, role as Camp leader and event organiser. Greater public understanding leads to valuing the contribution that people with disabilities bring to their family, workplace and wider society in a more meaningful way.
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This group of NCBI Cork based service users chat about the enjoyment, friendship and sharing to be had through the variety of virtual NCBI clubs they avail of. Whether it’s discussing a novel in the Book Club, the latest gadget in Technology Club or sharing an issue in the Peer Support Group – it’s this participation and camaraderie that is helping them through Covid19.
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Library service user Eva McManus talks about how having access to audiobooks has been a great benefit to her, and why you everyone should know about this service.
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Holly Tuke from York, England chats about being awarded Social Media Influencer 2019 by RNIB, her surprise at the success of her blog highlighting all aspects of life with a vision impairment and her passion at making all websites more accessible and inclusive.
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NCBIpodcast continues to explore the varied lives and careers of people who are blind or vision impaired. Meet inspiring Nikki Hind, Australian’s first blind fashion designer who shares that it has always been her dream to be a fashion designer and how this came about following a further reduction in her sight. She talks about her company Blind Grit’s mission to promote the abilities of people who live with disabilities in all aspects of the fashion industry.
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Optometrist Mandy Davidson explains the role different professionals have in eye care, the pros and cons of contact lenses over glasses and tips to promote and protect eye health.
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Kyran O’Mahoney, NCBI Chief Technology Officer talks about NCBI being an awardee of Rethink Ireland funding curtesy of the Social Innovation Fund to develop the NCBI Smart Hub specifically designed to gather information on eye conditions and NCBI services using mainstream technology devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa for people who are blind of vision impaired.
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WorldSightDay is the opportunity to celebrate people who are blind or vision impaired and raises awareness on service providers, employers, Govt and general public to create a more inclusive and accessible society. #NCBIpodcast Clare Kennelly chats about how she wishes she sought assistance earlier following her diagnosis of Stargardts and her varied career as a teacher and now her disability awareness training business to make the workplace more inclusive.
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Sinead McSweeney shares her journey of sight loss due to Diabetic Retinopathy from the numerous surgeries to acceptance of having such low vision and how this has affected her life overall but particularly her role as a nurse and mother.
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Kevin Farrell of @Ablefest talks openly about his son Josh (9) who has Albinism. He chats about the struggles of the early days after diagnosis, the support Josh receives in school and through NCBI and how his confidence and individuality makes Kevin proud every day.
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Annette O'Connell chats openly about living life with AMD, the treatment she's on and how she's adapted her life as her vision has gradually deteriorated.
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Both Aoife Tierney and Anthony Curran, students with a visual impairment, chat about the positive impact Bookshare (Ireland’s largest digital accessible library) has been to them. From the struggles of having to contact publishers to get accessible formats to now having over 500,000 resources instantaneously – it is a total game-changer for students with visual impairment and print disabilities
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Eithne Walsh chats about the realities facing children with a visual impairment in the Irish education system – absences of support during Covid19, reform of Visiting Teachers and the importance of encouraging self-advocacy in children and young people.
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Neasa Hourigan TD talks about her daughter’s visual impairment, the initial shock at diagnosis, the inaccessibility of local infrastructure for cane users, the challenges of back to school in a Covid19 world and her priorities and ambitions while in Government.
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Paul Lynch of Crowe Ireland talks about his enjoyable and rewarding experience of recording audio books for NCBI service users as part of Crowe's corporate social responsibility partnership with NCBI and would recommend other companies to get involved too.
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Brian Manning discusses how Braille has evolved and become digitalised and is still just a useful resource to children and adults alike and how assistive technology is there to compliment Braille rather than replace it.
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Dr David Keegan discusses the eye condition Cataracts explaining what are the causes, symptoms and treatments.
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Sara McFadden talks about life as a student in Sligo IT and about her passion of being Ireland's only visually impaired navigator in rally driving sport. Her competitiveness and determination mean she never lets her low vision hold her back from attaining her dreams.
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Dr David Keegan discusses the causes, symptoms and treatments associated with the eye condition Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
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NCBI trained advocate, Helena Mollaghan, shares her experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic covering topics such as social distancing, awareness and shopping restrictions.
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We’re in this together.
As part of the Government response to the COVID-19 crisis, your local authority (council) has established a COVID-19 Community Call Forum. Your local forum works with State agencies and community and voluntary groups to provide supports or services to any vulnerable person who needs them.
Your forum brings together different organisations to provide important services like:
- collection and delivery of essential items like food, ‘meals-on-wheels’, household items, fuel or medicine (in line with guidance)
- support if you are experiencing social isolation or are cocooning
If you need help, if you know someone who needs help, or if you would like to offer help, please use the numbers or email for your local authority (council).
You can find the details on a large version of the leaflet in a PDF file, Click here
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
We’re in this together.
As part of the Government response to the COVID-19 crisis, your local authority (council) has established a COVID-19 Community Call Forum. Your local forum works with State agencies and community and voluntary groups to provide supports or services to any vulnerable person who needs them.
Your forum brings together different organisations to provide important services like:
- collection and delivery of essential items like food, ‘meals-on-wheels’, household items, fuel or medicine (in line with guidance)
- support if you are experiencing social isolation or are cocooning
If you need help, if you know someone who needs help, or if you would like to offer help, please use the numbers or email for your local authority (council).
You can find the details on a large version of the leaflet in a PDF file, Click here
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
We’re in this together.
As part of the Government response to the COVID-19 crisis, your local authority (council) has established a COVID-19 Community Call Forum. Your local forum works with State agencies and community and voluntary groups to provide supports or services to any vulnerable person who needs them.
Your forum brings together different organisations to provide important services like:
- collection and delivery of essential items like food, ‘meals-on-wheels’, household items, fuel or medicine (in line with guidance)
- support if you are experiencing social isolation or are cocooning
If you need help, if you know someone who needs help, or if you would like to offer help, please use the numbers or email for your local authority (council).
You can find the details on a large version of the leaflet in a PDF file, Click here
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
Peter Ryan, Paralympian Tandem Cyclist, FG Councillor and NCBI service user chats about how his sight loss has changed his life. The ups and downs he experienced and his determination to embrace his new self. His core message is that life is for living, having a diagnosis of sight loss does change everything but it is your reaction that defines how you live your life.
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Breandan Ward chats about his life in London and New York as a banker and now consultant on leadership development and disability empowerment. He chats openly about the struggles he faced when adjusting to his sight loss and the importance of having time and the right people and supports to help him through this process.
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Kyran talks about his passion for technology and how he uses it in his everyday life to overcome his impaired vision. He brings this passion to his role in NCBI and talks about the breadth of technology support and online technology tutorials available to support people with sight loss in making technology work for them.
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Katheen Donnelly, mum to Annie aged 11, chats about how participating in Vision Sports activities has changed Annie's life in introducing her to sport and increasing her confidence. Also how NCBI Children's Team have taught Annie vital life skills to maximise her independence. Kathleen speaks how Covid19 lockdown has affected their life, Annie's education and what they are looking forward to once restrictions are eased.
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Alan Breathnach, NCBI Chief Services Officer speaks about how NCBI and it's staff have responded and adapted services to the Covid19 crisis and its legacy will be the provision of more of NCBI services being offered remotely either by phone or online.
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Patrick Hennessy, a vision impaired student from Waterford is was due to sit his Leaving Certificate exams this June. We speak to Patrick to find out how he is finding remote learning and staying motivated during this time.
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Shane Ryan, from Limerick is Ireland’s first blind rower to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He’s just back from completing a gruelling and exhilarating 54 day Atlantic Rowing Challenge from Portugal to French Guiana. He tells how they overcame rough seas, exhaustion and an encounter with a hungry shark on this extraordinary journey.
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Alan Breathnach, NCBI Chief Services Officer speaks about how NCBI and it's staff have responded and adapted services to the Covid19 crisis and its legacy will be the provision of more of NCBI services being offered remotely either by phone or online.
Support the show (https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/)
Dr Donal Fitzpatrick, a lecturer in DCU talks about the important role Braille plays as a form of communication for people who are blind or visually impaired. And how he is working to make communication between braille users and their teachers more accessible.
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Caitlin Heffernan, a sixth year student from Tipperary with a vision impairment talks about her experience during the Covid19 pandemic. Caitlin talks about working at home, staying motivated and using technology all the while being in the dark about if and when the exams will take place.
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Vision Australia Interview with NCBI: Kevin Kelly interviews Karen Knight Head of Client Services with Vision Australia to find out how Vision Australia are dealing with the Covid-19 health crisis.
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Derek Walker – Kevin Kelly interviews entrepreneur Derek Walker about his Natnoot business and how NCBI and others helped him on his sight loss journey.
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Jason Smyth talks to Kevin Kelly about how he’s surviving Covid19 and the deferral of the Paralympics until 2021.
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Dr David Keegan – answers specific questions regarding eye health during Covid19 pandemic, how the eye health services are coping, the risks associated with the virus for those who are visually impaired, and many other questions.
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