Retina NZ Summer Newsletter, No. 28, February 2006.
In this issue:
1.
Editorial.
2.
From the
President's Desk.
3.
Talking
Books.
4.
From
Analogue to Digital.
5.
Audio
Books.
6.
Coping.
7.
Research.
8.
Vision Loss
and Depression.
9.
Unbidden
Sounds
10.
Changing
Gears
11.
Book
Reviews.
12.
Branch
News & Snippets.
1. FROM THE
EDITOR
Summer is such a wonderful time of the year, warm relaxing
days, a glass of wine and some lovely music outside on a balmy evening, time to
spend with friends, quick and easy meals.
I have been enjoying my patio, the trees in the park, and the lovely
strawberries, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables from my new garden. I have had my first holiday for three years,
a week on the Kapiti Coast, and have found returning
to writing and producing the newsletter a little difficult when the outside
beckons so enticingly!
As the editor I have now taken over the layout of the
newsletter using MS Publisher. I am
experiencing a few small problems coming to grips with some of the finer points
of the programme so please bear with me, practice
makes perfect they say! I welcome
feedback on any of the layout changes I have made. Retina NZ is combining with
another consumer group, Parents of Visually Impaired Children, to print our
newsletter in
Please note, on page 2, that the deadlines for submission of
articles has changed. This will ensure
that you receive your newsletter in the month it is published.
Talking books are the focus of this newsletter. Decisions are still being made by the
Foundation's library regarding the purchase of new formats and equipment. Modern technology offers individuals a
variety of ways to access talking books, some of these are examined along with
websites where books can be accessed free of charge as well as purchased.
A new implant to help people with retinitis pigmentosa heads the research section which includes a very
unusual birth notice. Kaye Newton
describes her experience when receiving new hearing aids,
and safe driving when age and vision make this a stressful experience is
discussed.
The snippets I included in the last newsletter were very
well received, particularly the humour, therefore I
have included several funny experiences this time. If you have had similar experiences that you
feel would be suitable to include in future newsletters please feel free to
forward them to me. In order to take advantage
of every inch of space in the newsletter I have also included some short quotes
I hope you will appreciate.
Susan Mellsopp/Editor
Phone: 07 8533 612
Email: editor@retina.org.nz
108B
2. FROM THE
PRESIDENT'S DESK
Welcome to 2006. I have spent all of January thinking about
what I would like to get done this year, but have been rather slow to actually
start anything. Partly,
because I have had to ease into 2006 slowly after having surgery on my spine,
just before Christmas. Just
getting back to my usual fitness is an early priority.
How long is it since you had your eyes checked? If you are over 50 it is recommended you see
an optometrist or eye doctor every two years.
Having a retinal condition does not exclude you from getting other eye
conditions that become more prevalent with age such as glaucoma, cataracts or
macular degeneration.
Some time ago a woman contacted me who had RP (retinitis pigmentosa). She
mentioned that she lost the sight in one eye about 5 years ago, then the other
eye a couple of years ago. This didn't
sound like RP to me, so I asked her when she last saw an eye specialist. She said her eyes were examined thoroughly
seven years ago, so she was satisfied that she had lost her sight due to RP. How does she know she hasn't developed
cataracts since then, or macular degeneration?
Also, some treatments have changed in that time. If you think you have something you were told
some time ago they could do nothing about, it is a good idea to keep in touch
with your eye specialist. Low vision
aids may be recommended which were not appropriate some years earlier.
I would like to thank Petronella
Spicer and Elizabeth East who have continued to operate the 0800 peer support
phone line. The rest of us have been
having a break over the summer, but the phone line never closes.
Hopefully you have kept your sunglasses and hats on while
enjoying summer. Sometimes I have been
inclined to leave summer outside, at least during the middle of the day, but it
is nice to have the choice.
As always we welcome feedback.
Kaye Newton president@retina.org.nz Phone 03 3795 807
SNIPPET
Retaane has been approved in
3. TALKING
BOOKS
RNZFB and HumanWare to Pilot
Internet Distribution of Talking Books
HumanWare (formerly PulseData)
has been engaged by the Royal
The trial's main objective is to find out whether a DTB
player and service solution can be designed to replace the postal system with
internet delivery of books and magazines for user of its library who are not computer literate. Like many blindness organizations, RNZFB
faces the enormous challenge of evolving its talking book library from
audiotape to digital media. The project
is expected to be completed by 2008.
Mary Schnackenburg, Divisional
Manager of RNZFB's Adaptive Support Division, said:
'this is a major step forward for us, and we are being extremely careful and
methodical to ensure we get it right.
Clearly the internet is the future, and it will be the most economical
distribution method of delivering books and magazines to print disabled
people. The hardware, or digital
download box, has to be simple and easy to use'.
HumanWare has designed and commercialized
digital talking book players since 1999 under the Victor Reader product line.
They offer the widest choice of both hardware and software playback devices and
adapted solutions for students, professionals, and the elderly, with the Victor
Reader Classic family. In March
2005 the National Library Service for
the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NSL) ‑the world's largest provider
of audio material to the print disabled‑appointed HumanWare
as a member of a consortium to design and develop the next generation of digital
talking book players.
Reproduced with the permission of
the RNZFB.
QUOTES
"The only things worth learning are the things you
learn after you know it
all"‑ Harry S. Truman
"
Every problem is a possibility in disguise
4. FROM
ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL THE RNZFB LIBRARY IN TRANSITION
By Mary Schnackenberg: Divisional
Manager Adaptive Support: Royal
The Royal
The Foundation's library is at a crossroads, both in
technology and materials selection. The
compact cassette the library currently uses will be phased out beginning in
2008. The cassette will be replaced by a format chosen later this year. The move from recording in analogue to
digital has opened up the possibility of sourcing more titles from more sources
more quickly.
We face a number of questions as we stand on the brink of a
very exciting, information rich future.
The RNZFB is a charity. Charities exist to provide services the
community does not provide. Yet public
libraries distribute talking books, so why does the Foundation remain in this
business?
Public libraries around the world source their talking books
from commercial publishers. The
commercial talking book publisher makes his or her profit by selling the
greatest number of copies for each title produced so as to recover the high
cost of producing the master recording.
That recording must recover royalty payments to the author, the
narrator, and to the creators of any and all graphical work associated with the
print. The costs of the studios and high
speed duplication facilities, including all corporate overheads, must be
recovered. Then the audio book has to be
packaged attractively and marketed appropriately to libraries and bookstores.
If you have ever explored the talking book shelves in a
large retailer or public library, you can only conclude that the
When choosing a title to narrate, the commercial publisher
must not only sell sufficient copies, but must ensure the title will present
well as a sound recording. The commercial publishers narrate the 'start to
finish' print books, such as novels by bestselling authors. These are the titles that are listened to
from page 1 until the end. The listener
is very likely doing something else at the same time‑driving a car,
ironing, cooking the evening meal.
Blindness libraries, like that run by the Foundation, focus on
producing talking books the commercial providers will not produce; in the
Foundation's case, unabridged New Zealand materials including magazines, non‑fiction
that is not start‑to‑finish reading, and less popular overseas
publications. We rarely if ever read
abridged titles.
Less that 5%, some argue less than 3% of what is published
in print, is converted to an accessible format. Last year
Blindness libraries continue to hone another skill not
needed by commercial talking book publishers.
We verbalise graphics. "A picture is worth a thousand
words" goes the adage. Each time we
come across a photograph, chart, diagram, map or other graphic we first ask
whether that graphic is adequately described in the surrounding text. If not, how much should we say about the
graphic? If we describe the graphic, can
we do so in less than a thousand words using a style in keeping with the
author's text and intent?
The DAISY format (digital accessible information system)
allows books and magazines to be structured as print materials are. DAISY
playback software lets the listener skip around the text from chapter to
chapter, page to page, from the index to the relevant page, and so on. The listener can add book marks, even textual
notes just as sighted people sometimes handwrite in their margins. Although we are still distributing our new
titles on compact cassettes, the Foundation's library has been structuring its
recording in the DAISY format since August 2002. Later this year we will
choose the best format to use for distributing DAISY titles. Blindness libraries generally distribute
their books by post. Talking books are becoming available for purchase over the
internet. It is possible to download
books from the internet on to your home PC's. So is it possible for the Foundation to send
talking books to its users across the internet?
Potentially yes, but at present there is not an inexpensive player
suitable for use by blind and low vision people. HumanWare is
working with the RNZFB to pilot just such a player.
Commercial talking book publishers and blindness libraries
are almost all recording using the digital format. It is technically possible to access
thousands of talking books recorded digitally.
The most significant remaining barrier is copyright. The World Blind
Please support the RNZFB's library
because we record or import talking books that commercial publishers cannot
make available for the reasons given above.
This year we are adding more new titles than in previous years. If you cannot find what you are looking for
we can assist you by finding something equally suitable or better in the
collection. Alternatively we may be able
to interloan it for you. Talk to our library team on 0800‑243‑333
or email
library@rnzfb.org.nz Look
at our online public access catalogue on the web at
http://www.rnzfb.org.nz/library
5. AUDIO BOOKS:
As Mary suggests, there are a growing number of ways that
audio books can be obtained. Public
libraries have audio books on cassette and CD available to borrow, often
waiving the fee for blind or vision‑impaired patrons. Many of these books are unabridged and have a
high standard of narration. Public
library catalogues are on the internet and can be searched for audio books to interloan. Hard copy
lists are often available, particularly of new or popular titles. Library staff
will always offer assistance to people unable to search the catalogue
themselves. The National Library of
Talk to your local library staff about the types of audio
books you wish to read and see how they can help.
The above information was supplied by Greg Morgan/Auckland
City Libraries
International libraries for the blind have online catalogues
from which talking books can be interloaned by the
RNZFB library. Vision Australia, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind
and the Royal National Institute for the Blind are
examples.
Books no longer under copyright are available for free
download from several websites. Camera Obscura (follow the link from the RNZFB site) has e‑text
archives, reference works, and a wide range of literature from history through
to philosophy, law and classics available.
The site links to other virtual libraries and online catalogues, international
newspapers and news services. Bartleby.com offers unlimited access to great
books online such as fiction classics, Shakespeare, poetry and Bibles.
Purchasing Audio Books:
There are several online companies which offer a large
number of audio books in a variety of formats.
The most reliable of these are amazon.com and audible.com. Amazon has books on tape and CD as well as
in digital format, but be aware that books on CD can be large and
expensive. Bill Clinton's autobiography
uses 41 CD's. Audible.com has a wide
range of categories and you can order books yet to be released. The average price of books listed on their
website is $US25. Bookshare.org has
25,000 books listed on their website.
United States copyright laws make it difficult for overseas members to
download books, but a limited selection is available for purchase via an annual
subscription.
BookPort:
MP3 players and iPods offer keen
readers the opportunity to store and read a huge range of books. BookPort, which is distributed
by the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville,
Books can be downloaded from the internet via the computer
in two basic formats. Text to speech
books are read using the unit's own synthesizer, the speech and pitch of this
can be altered to one's own preference.
Secondly, books can be downloaded as audio files, that
is, read by a narrator, they take up more memory and space. Any books available in MP3 format from
audible.com or other sites can be purchased and read on BookPort.
An on‑board instruction manual includes an extensive
list of sites from which books can be purchased. BookPort costs $US395, although import duty may have to be paid bringing
the cost to approximately $NZ550.
If you wish to order the BookPort from
This information was kindly supplied by Don McKenzie
6. COPING ‑ TIPS FOR
TRAVELLING
Make travel arrangements well in advance. If you require
assistance inform the travel agent or airline when you purchase your ticket. Define what sort of assistance you need as
this will help to avoid confusion and frustration during your trip.
If you will be travelling with a
service animal make this known when you purchase your tickets. This will allow an appropriate space to be reserved
for both you and your dog.
Individuals with a visual impairment often find that sitting
in the aisle seat allows them to be more aware of what is happening on a plane
or train, and to communicate more easily with staff. You can request an aisle seat when you make
your reservations, please confirm this several days prior to travelling.
On the day you are travelling
arrive early! If necessary identify
yourself and state the assistance you have booked. Boarding prior and leaving after other passengers
is standard procedure. Please be
patient!
Mark your luggage with something bright and visible to help
you locate your luggage in the baggage claim area. Purchasing an unusual type of luggage can
also help.
If you are staying in a hotel, or motel, inform the
reservation staff of your particular needs and the type of accommodation you
require‑for example on ground level, or with grass nearby for a guide
dog.
When taking taxis or shuttles state
your destination clearly. You do not have to
pay for your guide dog to be transported in a shuttle.
Remember to be flexible and willing to adapt to situations
which present themselves. Don't stress.
7. RESEARCH
NEW TECHNIQUE DELIVERS GROWTH
FACTOR TO EYES WITH RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
A new implant that delivers encapsulated growth factor
producing cells into the eyes of retinitis pigmentosa
(RP) patients appears to be safe and has even produced minor improvements in
vision, according to early results announced at the annual meeting of the
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
The device remained in the eyes of ten patients for six
months with no apparent ill effects.
The patients, who were in the advanced stage of the disease, showed a
one‑line improvement in their visual acuity scores from the treatment
reported Dean Bok, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye
Institute at the University of Los Angeles.
He said: "this is remarkable
because they had very advanced RP".
In a phase 1 safety trial vitreoretinal
surgeons implanted the NT‑501 device (Neurotech)
in one eye of ten legally blind patients with RP by making a 2.0mm scleral incision, inserting it with a metal loop, and
suturing the device in place. Each month
following implantation the researchers tested the patients' visual field, visual acuity, and
performed electroretinograms. After six months, the surgeons extracted the
device from the patients' eyes. One
month and
one year follow‑up examinations
did not find any serious complications from the procedure with the exception of
one patient with ciliary detachment. Though the study was not an efficacy trial,
the patients' eye examinations showed a moderate improvement of their visual
acuity. This improvement is not usually
considered clinically significant but provocative; the patients did not receive
the treatment long enough to firmly establish if it could rescue photoreceptor
cells from dying. The safety trial's
results clear the way for a Phase 2 efficacy trial that will test if treatment
can really prevent the progressive vision loss in RP patients.
More than a decade of advances in basic science research,
gene therapy and biotechnology created the foundation for this ingenious idea
for treating retinitis pigmentosa. Research confirmed that CNTF slows
photoreceptor cell degeneration in 12 different inherited retinal disorders in
four different animal species. Injecting
the protein into the eye of human patients was deemed to be an unworthy invasive
treatment because the patients would need to be injected repeatedly for the
rest of their lives. Additionally, the
blood‑retina barrier limits the possibility of administering the protein
orally. To overcome the drug delivery
problems a small device produced by the French biotechnology company Neurotech which uses Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) was
used. In ECT, retinal pigment epithelial cells carrying a virus that had been
genetically manipulated to overproduce CNTF are loaded into a semi‑permeable
plastic polymer basket that can be injected into the eye. The plastic device protects the CNTF‑releasing
cells from immune attacks, yet its semi‑permeability allows the cells to
release the CNTF into the eye tissue. It
enters the gel‑filled cavity of the eye, percolates between the cells of
the retina and bathes them in the CNTF which keeps the photoreceptors alive.
The Phase 2 trials will evaluate other neurotrophic
factors and agents that can be used with ECT for treating other retinal
diseases. Patients selected for the
Phase 2 trials will have less
advanced stages of the disease so vision changes can be detected
faster. The patients will need to retain
the implant for at least two years to determine if it can interfere with
apoptosis.
This article was downloaded from Retina International at
www.retina‑international.org
8. VISION LOSS
AND DEPRESSION
A number of studies demonstrate that people experiencing
vision loss are significantly more likely to suffer from clinical depression
than the general population. In a recent
study conducted by Lighthouse International, one third of visually impaired
participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms. Clinical depression means experiencing
symptoms which last for two weeks or more, and are so severe that they
interfere with daily living.
This is hardly surprising, as vision loss has emotional and
psychological aspects as well as unexpected challenges. These include relationship pressures, early
retirement, loss or limitation of daily activities, and the need to think more
about the ageing process in general. All
of these can contribute to feelings of loss, lowered self esteem, dependency,
isolation and despair.
Someone receiving the diagnosis of age‑related macular
degeneration needs to be prepared for the psychological impact of this
condition. People who experience gradual
vision loss are at the most risk of depression as they live with the daily fear
of waking up to a further deterioration in their sight. Depression can make their vision loss seem
worse than it really is. Clinical
depression can be dealt with using a variety of treatments including
medication, psychotherapy, counseling; or a combination of these. These therapies may even improve visual
functioning. For many AMD patients it is critical to get help with coping.
This information was downloaded from AMD
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
After several years wait, Dr Marion Maw and her team are
very pleased to welcome the arrival of Frodo, a very special mouse. Frodo, and
her descendants, will provide an animal model for a novel retinal disorder that
affects a large
BRAILLE ON STAMPS
2006 is the year of the dog, and to celebrate
delighted to acknowledge the crucial work of
9. UNBIDDEN
SOUNDS BY KAYE
After her audiology appointment
she finds it is raining so she calls a cab to get back to work rather than
walk. The wipers of the taxi squeak
against the windscreen, the rhythmic click click of
the indicator while waiting to turn at the traffic lights is so
noticeable. Regular like a tick tock.
The automatic glass doors at the entrance to her work
building rattle open.
Reaching her floor, she pushes the swing doors open and they
keep swinging back and forth, unable to stop themselves. Going to collect a cup of
tea from the tearoom, the zip bubbles after pouring some hot water. Her cup rattles on the saucer as she carries
it back to her office, it seems to be a loose
fit. It is quite a relief to reach her own office. The
heels of her shoes clang against the metal legs of her chair as she sits
down. The swivel office chair creaks
whenever she leans on its back, something she does often when stretching her
arms up straight then out sideways, pulling her shoulders back. They say that OOS (or maybe you know it as
RSI) starts with tension in the neck and shoulders. Ring, ring, ring, ring‑that
telephone sounds so close‑but it isn't hers, the light is not flashing.
Her computer beeps often.
Hadn't noticed that before. The keys of the keyboard make tapping
sounds. The hum of the fan in the hard
drive box sounds alarmingly rattly, but it must be
alright, it was replaced not long ago.
The air‑conditioning hums like the drone of bagpipes, it won't be
stopping until 5.35pm when it shuts down for the night. She reaches into her lunch bag which she had
parked under her desk. Does fiddling
with a paper bag and breaking open a disposable plastic
container really make that much noise?
"Maybe I should wait until lunch time after all"!
In the toilet the trickle sounds like water splashing from a
great height like a small waterfall.
Someone blows her nose in the next cubicle, she hears the air forced
through the nostrils in excruciating detail.
The person next door obviously has a cold and a blocked nose. The air towel sounds like a machine doing
more than just blowing hot air over wet hands.
Later, at the gym, the rowing machine makes so much
noise. Maybe it needs oiling to reduce
friction, but it wouldn't provide resistance and exercise to the rower. Other machines make rhythmic sounds of metal
sliding against metal. They sound too
close.
Outside again at last.
Clip clop. High
heels on the pavement. The cars
sound like trucks. She walks home
through the Square as she does every day.
That aeroplane approaching sounds low‑no
it is a bus. Rush hour traffic roars in
all directions. The pedestrian buzzer at
the lights sounds much deeper than she expected. Home again, home again, jiggety
jig. Stopping inside her front door she is relieved to switch off her new
hearing aid. The cacophony recedes
immediately. She doesn't even notice the
cat meowing. Peace at last!
QUOTE
Life is a measure to be filled
Not a cup to be drained
10. CHANGING
GEARS IN LATER YEARS ‑ A DRIVERS GUIDE
Kapiti Coast District
Council has published a guide to help older drivers remain safe on the road, or
to help them make the decision to retire from driving.
Many older drivers voluntarily limit or regulate their driving to
compensate for deteriorating skills and abilities. Planning is the key to ensure that life after
driving is as rich and fulfilling as before.
The earlier you consider the prospect of retiring from
driving, the longer you have to put in place long term strategies, particularly
now the 80+ test will no longer exist.
It will become more important than ever that we monitor our own driving
performance to ensure our safety and that of our passengers, and other
motorists.
A number of medical conditions and associated treatments can
affect your fitness to drive. These can
include vision status, strokes, Alzheimer's, diabetes and arthritis. Age brings a loss of spatial perception,
decision making ability, reaction time and hearing and concentration.
Extending your driving life may entail considering choosing
a car suited to an older driver, having a driving lesson to update your skills,
and keeping up to date with the road code.
Drivers should have regular eye and health check‑ups, exercise
regularly, become aware of and compensate for risk factors associated with age
and driving. Attend a safety with age
refresher course which will familiarize you with local hazards and conditions
and put you in touch with other people in a similar situation.
You can extend your driving life by only driving during the
day, planning your trip, using intersections controlled by traffic lights,
avoid travelling at peak hours, and check that your
glasses are suitable for driving.
Changing your car may extend your driving life. An automatic transmission may make it easier
to drive, as may a car with power steering and ABS brakes. Additional mirrors
to help with blind spots, adjustable controls and airbags are good safety
features. If you lack confidence when
driving, ride the brake, lose concentration, signal incorrectly, hit curbs, or
are becoming increasingly agitated or irritated when driving it may be time to
consider giving up. Other warning signs
are a failure to notice traffic signals, relying on a co‑pilot, bad
judgment while making right hand turns, near misses, and comments by family and
friends.
Many options are available for people who have had to give
up driving. These include bus services,
taxis, trains, community transport, the total mobility
scheme and mobility scooters.
Rio have donated thirty pairs of these socks, some with coloured heels and some with a narrow coloured
stripe on the side to Retina
11. BOOK REVIEWS:
First Book Review:
Vegetables for Vision: Nature's Supplements for Eye Health
by Professor Ian Grierson, Indigo Creative Marketing,
2005.
Professor Grierson, head of the
Department of Ophthalmology at
Information on diet, eye health and macular degeneration is
included in this book. 'Vegetables for Vision' will be of interest to anyone
concerned about improving their eye health through good nutrition. It has been published in large print, is
spiral bound, and is suitable for partially sighted people. Professor Grierson
has also written 'The
Eye Book and Eye Problems Explained'.
Both these books are available through www.amazon.co.uk or can be
ordered through your local bookseller or Borders Bookstore in
Second Book Review:
Coping With Vision Loss: Maximising What You Can See and Do by Bill Chapman, Hunter
House, 2001.
This book has been recommended and reviewed on several AMD
websites. Beginning with an explanation
of visual acuity and the anatomy of the eye the first section also explains how
we see, describes the retina, the functions of peripheral vision and conscious
versus unconscious vision. The impact of
emotional issues such as depression and grief on loss of vision is discussed.
The role of optometrists, ophthalmologists and low vision
specialists in helping with vision loss and maximising
remaining sight is explored, along with in‑depth explanations of
cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Coping techniques discussed in the book include sitting
closer, scanning, using lights, contrast, large print products and
magnification. The book also lists aids
for computer users, driving, watching television and differentiating between money.
12. BRANCH NEWS
KAPITI VIP SUPPORT GROUP/Heather Tofts:
The November meeting of the Kapiti
VIP Support Group was attended by 12 people.
Informal discussion on issues concerning members such as the speed cyclists travel on footpaths were on the agenda. Gael Hambrook is to
bring this to the attention of local schools this year. A cup of tea and a
social chat saw the meeting conclude at 3.30pm.
A Christmas lunch was held in the Kapiti
Community Centre on the 5th of December.
The 20 people who attended enjoyed the good food and excellent company.
QUOTE
Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind
see
SNIPPETS:
My neighbours think I cope very
well with my vision loss. They all
laughed the night of our right‑of‑way Christmas party. I headed for what appeared to be a plate of
muscatel raisins on a plate (remember those wonderful treats) to discover it
was a plate of black stones with some old rather worse for the wear tinsel laid
on top. I keep hoping they will bring me
some real muscatels!!
Staying with a friend, she asked me to check the recipe she
had used for a fat‑free cream.
Agreeing she had followed it to the letter there was a pause ‑
freeze the milk ‑ she had frozen the beater!
Her husband then told of a batch of vegetable soup with an
unusual ingredient ‑ a used tea bag‑my friend could not understand
why her family refused to eat the remainder of the soup.
Chocolat, my guide dog who never barks,
barked incessantly one evening at something in the park when on her last toilet
stop for the day. Closer inspection of
the offending 'problem' showed it to be a supermarket trolley left there due to
renovations taking place at our local mall.
Nothing could persuade Chocolat to ignore the
trolley while I was helpless with laughter.
DEADLINES FOR ARTICLES:
Deadlines for articles for the autumn, winter and spring
issues are 30 April, 31 July, 31 October 2006 respectively.
PUBLICATIONS:
For inquiries regarding a list of publications which are available from
Retina NZ, please contact Janet Palmer,
the National Secretary on telephone
(04) 299-1801, write to The National Secretary, Retina NZ Inc., P.O. Box
17-242, Wellngton 6033 or email
secretary@retina.org.nz
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS:
Annual membership subscriptions are due on the 1st of April each
year. Subscriptions are $10 for unwaged people and $20 for waged. Any person interested in receiving this
newsletter is welcome to subscribe.
Donations of $5 and over are tax deductible.
DO YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE?
The Retina NZ Peer Support programme
is a free and confidential service operating nationwide. To make contact with one of Retina NZ's peer supporters telephone 0800 233-833. All calls are treated in strict confidence.
Ring any of the following free‑phone numbers if you
want to speak to a geneticist or genetic counsellor
about your own diagnosis of RP, Macular Degeneration or other retinal
degenerative disorders: