The host of the BBC’s flagship science and technology show enthralled the audience as he invited a partially sighted guest, 22 year old Maisy McAdam, on stage to trial new ‘give vision’ glasses. It was an emotionally-charged experience, as for the first time since being diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago she was able to read a passage from her favourite Harry Potter book.
She said “I can’t wait to see my mum as I’ve not seen my mum’s face for six years”.
Video Transcript
Can you see it
McAdam : Yeah… I’m Sorry.
background Audio: About six years ago, at the age of 16, Masiy with diagnosed with a brain tumour. Over the next few months, her vision was reduced to a tiny, blury circle in her right eye.
Well, Masiy had agreed to try, onstage, the latest version of these GiveVision goggles.They use magnifiers and augmented reality to amplify the wearer’s remaning vision and highlight outlines.
So Masiy – are they working?
McAdam: Yeah. I can see your microphone and i can see that you’re smiling and I can see the buttons on your shirt.
Can we have the houselights up maybe? Take a look at the audience. Can you see them all?
McAdam: Yeah – they’re waving. I can see there’s lady in the front with a red jacket. The guy next to her is wearing stripes. Oh my God… It’s so amazing.
So you said one of the things that you… You’re getting me going as well. One of the things that you said you really miss is reading. So we have a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone here. I don’t know whether it is going to work. Do you think you’ll be able to read us just the first couple of sentences if I hold the microphone up?
Can you see it?
McAdam: Yeah… I’m sorry. Okay, um… “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much”
Give Vision
SightPlus is a clinically validated low vision aid that helps helps visually impaired people see clearly up close and at a distance. It has already helped hundreds of low vision patients in the UK to improve their sight, read, work and live independently.
Website: https://www.givevision.net/
Ref: BBC Click