Optician news in brief

Cells from human tissue taken from cadavers and injected into blind rats have been found to improve vision. Muller glial cells, a type of stem cell found in the retina, have the potential to develop into a variety of specialist cells that may allow them to replace those lost through various diseases. A team at University College London were able to treat the excised cells to promote their differentiation into rod photoreceptors.

LOCSU has announced the appointment of Chris Newall as an optical lead. Newall, director at Specsavers in Bridport, completed the LOCSU Leadership in Optics course last year and is a member of Dorset LOC. Katrina Venerus, managing director of LOCSU, said: ‘Chris’s appointment means that LOCSU is even better positioned to meet the increasing demand for commissioning support from LOCs. ’