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Using Virtual Reality to Restore Vision

Using Virtual Reality to Restore Vision

FromYour Complex Brain


Using Virtual Reality to Restore Vision

FromYour Complex Brain

ratings:
Length:
46 minutes
Released:
May 16, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

What happens when a vision researcher has a chance meeting with a pediatric oncologist and that collaboration leads to unexpected and promising results?In Episode 5 of Your Complex Brain, we’re talking about a homegrown vision rehabilitation program helping young brain cancer survivors, whose sight has been impacted by their tumours, improve their vision.The program, developed at University Health Network in Toronto, uses virtual reality to effectively retrain parts of the brain, allowing them to better perceive objects and obstacles.Joining us on the podcast today is neurobiologist, Dr. Michael Reber, and pediatric oncologist, Dr. Eric Bouffet. We’ll also hear from 18 year-old Jack Conway, one of the research participants in the study.Featuring: Dr. Michael Reber - Senior Scientist at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, part of the Krembil Research Institute, at University Health Network, and Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto.Dr. Eric Bouffet - Past director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and the first Garron Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research.Jack Conway - High school student who is passionate about video games, theme parks, and politics. Jack was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma brain tumour as an infant, and recently was a research participant in the Vision Rehab Study.Additional resources: Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute at UHNDr. Reber’s lab websiteThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenUHN Foundation story on this Vision Rehab StudyDr. Reber interviewed on UHN’s ‘Behind the Breakthrough’ podcastDr. Bouffet addresses United NationsThe Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembilTo get in touch, email us at krembil@uhnresearch.ca or message us on social media:Instagram - @krembilresearchTwitter - @KBI_UHNFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstituteThanks for listening!
Released:
May 16, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (37)

Explore the myths, mysteries, and medical breakthroughs of the most complex and powerful organ in your body – your brain. Weaving together expert interviews with heartfelt, inspiring snapshots of the patients and family members in the middle of it all, Heather Sherman dives into the latest science on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, concussion, spinal cord injury, brain cancer, chronic pain and other brain diseases and disorders. Along the way she uncovers surprising insights, sheds light on the latest research, and shares heroic, real life stories from the people on the front lines. Brought to you by Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, one of the largest and most comprehensive neurological centres in North America. Learn more about our mission at: http://www.uhn.ca/krembil