Renowned palaeontologist Dr Tom Rich speaks about macular degeneration in Macula Month

In 2012 Dr Tom Rich, senior curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology Museums Victoria was diagnosed with aged related macular degeneration (AMD). While the diagnosis was tough, Tom had a history of AMD in his family with his mother having the same condition. Over the next five years, Tom’s eyesight deteriorated, however his life’s work did not.

Tom had spent years travelling remote parts of the world and Australia, researching dinosaurs and early mammals from the age of twelve when he received the book “All about Dinosaurs” for Christmas.

Various products to assist his low vision allowed him to function, however in 2017 Tom made a visit to Melbourne’s Vision Australia store and was introduced to IrisVision, a wearable smart device for people with low vision.

IrisVision employs breakthrough, smart software technology that leverages functional areas of the user’s eyes to enable them to see objects, faces and their surroundings more clearly and easily. It features powerful connectivity tools for greater engagement with the world, and packages it all in an award-winning, voice-controlled device that makes it easy for anyone to use.

When Tom tried the device his immediate reaction was “I want to buy it now.”

“It was the first time in five years that I had been able to recognise faces. It took some training until I was comfortable, but being able to see fossils close up, see a whole area, be able to see at a distance has meant my work is so much easier,” Tom said.

To ensure he had a backup when travelling to Namibia and beyond Tom purchased a second IrisVision.

1.7 million Australians have some degree of macular disease. In Macula Month, Tom has a clear message “If you are over 50 get an eye test, ensure your macula is checked and know your risks.”

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For further information and an opportunity to interview Dr Rich:

Lyn Thurnham 0418 490989 or 02 49616010

lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au