Exploring The Principles Of Genetic Research In Genetic Eye Disease - Part 1/3 | Episode #18
Release Date: 07/13/2023
Building a Resource for Every Family: The Story of WonderBaby with Amber Bobnar | Ep #45
Through Our Eyes
When Amber Bobnar's son Ivan was diagnosed with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis at just a few months old, she found herself searching for answers, resources, and most of all, connection. What she found instead was a private email listserv full of invaluable information that no one outside of it could access. So she decided to change that. In this episode, Amber shares the story behind WonderBaby.org — the resource she built that has grown into a meaningful home for parents of children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. She opens up about the early days of Ivan's diagnosis, the...
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Advancing Pediatric Retinal Care: Leadership and Legacy with Dr. Antonio Capone | Ep #44
Through Our Eyes
Dr. Antonio Capone has spent his career changing what is possible for children with retinal diseases. In this episode, he shares the journey from his early start in psychiatry to finding his calling in pediatric retina, where precision surgery meets long-term impact. You’ll hear how the field evolved over decades, why severe ROP cases declined, and how training specialists around the world helped bring sight-saving care closer to home for families. Dr. Capone also explains how PRRF expanded beyond research to support parents raising children with rare retinal disease, and why the...
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The Power of Eye Patching: A Mother-Daughter Story with Cathy and Mackenzie Thompson | Ep #43
Through Our Eyes
What does it actually take to get a toddler to wear an eye patch every day for five years? According to Cathy Thompson, founder of Patch Pals, it takes routine, distraction, flexibility, celebration — and a patch that a child actually wants to wear. In this episode, Cathy and her daughter Mackenzie share the story behind Patch Pals: how a cataract diagnosis led to a daily patching battle, how Cathy's homemade solution changed everything, and how that idea grew into a business that has quietly reshaped how families and doctors approach amblyopia treatment. Now in her thirties, Mackenzie...
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Assistive Technology and Everyday Independence with Jule Ann Lieberman | Ep #42
Through Our Eyes
Jule Ann Lieberman’s path into assistive technology grew out of curiosity, persistence, and a desire to stay independent. What began as an interest in learning more about technology evolved into graduate study, professional certification, and a career dedicated to helping blind and low vision individuals access the tools that support school, work, and daily life. In this episode, Jule Ann shares her journey as both a low vision professional and someone living with vision loss. She reflects on teaching future specialists, supporting clients of all ages, navigating public transportation with a...
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Advocacy, Active Learning, and the Ripple Effect of One Voice with Paula Korelitz | Ep #41
Through Our Eyes
As the founder of the Children’s Low Vision Resource Center, Paula Korelitz spent decades turning advocacy into action for children with visual impairments and their families. In this conversation, she walks through the early days of meeting families in the NICU, building resources that did not exist, and connecting education, research, and real-life learning in meaningful ways. Paula shares why active learning changed her practice, how the Resource Center introduced families to tools, teaching strategies, and community support, and what she believes parents, educators, and young adults need...
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Independence in the Kitchen: Tools and Real-Life Skills with Debra Erickson | Ep #40
Through Our Eyes
Chef and educator Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, shares how vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa led her from culinary school to building a resource hub for blind and low-vision cooks. She discusses adaptive tools, smart safety strategies, and the freedom that comes when cooking feels possible again for kids, teens, and adults. You’ll hear practical ideas for building kitchen confidence, from simple nonvisual techniques like keeping a sink of soapy water ready, to tools such as work trays, cut gloves, and predictable setups for blind cooks. Debra shares ways families can...
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Courage Across Continents: Wallace Stuckey’s Leap to London | Ep #39
Through Our Eyes
When opportunity called, Wallace Stuckey answered by moving from Washington, DC to London to pursue his master’s degree. His story is about curiosity, courage, and the practical side of starting a new life in a global city. Through stories of learning new systems, meeting people from around the world, and finding accessibility in unexpected places, Wallace reminds us that growth often begins the moment we step outside what’s familiar. You can find more episodes, upcoming events, and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation on our website at ...
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Finding Hope and Community: Lisa and Aria’s Journey with PRRF | Ep #38
Through Our Eyes
In this heartfelt episode of *Through Our Eyes*, host Nicole Giudici welcomes Lisa LoVasco and her daughter Aria to share their emotional journey navigating Aria's diagnosis of a rare retinal disease, FEVR. As a new mom, Lisa recalls the overwhelming flood of unfamiliar information during that first doctor's visit, wishing for a simple, doctor-backed resource folder to guide families away from the chaos of online searches. Feeling powerless in the face of a condition with no family history, Lisa quickly sought community through PRRF—initially via early connections and Dr. Capone's...
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Shaping a Bright Future: Sheldon Lewis’ Story of Adaptability | Ep #37
Through Our Eyes
In this episode of the Through Our Eyes Podcast, we speak with Sheldon Lewis, a dedicated professional and family man who lives with a rare inherited condition called choroideremia, which causes progressive vision loss. Sheldon shares his journey, starting with his diagnosis at age nine and navigating the challenges of vision loss without much familial support in his early years. Despite these obstacles, he built a career in the textile industry, married, and raised two sons who are free of the condition. Sheldon’s story takes a pivotal turn in his mid-forties when a fall due to his...
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Through David’s Eyes: Thriving in School with a Rare Retinal Condition | Ep #36
Through Our Eyes
Join us on this heartfelt episode of Through Our Eyes by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation, where Megan, a devoted mother, shares her journey raising her visually impaired son, David. Diagnosed with a rare pediatric retinal condition at six weeks old, David faced significant challenges, but with the support of an exceptional Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), an inclusive school, and a tailored Individualized Education Program (IEP), he’s thriving in first grade. From learning Braille to playing goalball with classmates, David’s story highlights resilience, advocacy, and the...
info_outlineThis episode embarks on a journey through the world of groundbreaking research with our special guest, Dr. Kimberly Drenser, who holds the prestigious title of what is called a double doctor (i.e. she holds two medical degrees).
Additionally, Dr. Drenser engaged in a two-year retinal fellowship with associated retinal consultants Dr. Anthony Capone and Dr. Michael Trese.
Your host, Dr. Patrick Droste dives into this captivating three-part series that covers innovative and promising research for the future. In part one, we will explore the fundamental definitions of principles that underpin genetic research and particularly genetic eye disease. Part two will navigate the captivating landscape of research development challenges, and part three will investigate pivotal moments that shape the trajectory of a scientific breakthrough from early-stage investigations to rigorous experimentation.