Through Our Eyes

Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation

5.0 (6)
MEDICINE
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to the "Through Our Eyes" podcast by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation. We are a community of visually impaired young adults talking about what it's like to navigate through high school, college, career, and beyond. We tap into our experiences and cover a wide range of topics providing you with actionable tips and strategies you can implement in your own life.

5D AGO

Independence, Mobility, and Assistive Technology with Mike Mulligan

When Mike Mulligan went to get contacts before a high school basketball game, he had no idea that appointment would change the entire trajectory of his life. He was diagnosed with Coats' disease at 18. Mike then built something he never expected: a career dedicated to helping others navigate vision loss with confidence, independence, and possibility. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from diagnosis to becoming both a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, and the work he does today through Blind On the Move. He breaks down why Braille still matters in a world full of audio technology, how assistive tech is opening doors that didn't exist a decade ago, and what families can do right now to help their child build independence — even when it feels easier to just step in and do it for them. To learn more about Mike's work and find resources for the blind and low vision community, visit BlindOnTheMove.com or reach out to Mike directly at mike@blindonthemove.com. Want to be a guest on the podcast? If you or someone you know has a story to share — whether you've experienced a pediatric retinal condition yourself or are raising a child who has — we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at throughoureyes@prrf.org. You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

32 min
APR 28

Building a Resource for Every Family: The Story of WonderBaby with Amber Bobnar

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 unexpected challenges of advocating for a medically complex child in a place with limited resources, and the hard-won lesson she wishes she had learned sooner: that love and connection matter more than any resource she could gather. To explore WonderBaby's library of resources, articles, and community for families raising children with visual impairments, visit the website: WonderBaby.org Follow WonderBaby on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonderbaby.org/ You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

34 min
APR 14

Advancing Pediatric Retinal Care: Leadership and Legacy with Dr. Antonio Capone

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 greatest challenge today is not always medical, but helping young adults move from education to independent, employed lives. Read Jeanne McClellan's blog post with Dr. Capone on our website: https://prrf.org/a-conversation-with-dr-tony-capone/ Join us April 17-19, 2026 for a powerful weekend that educates, inspires, and unites. Saturday's Family Connection Conference brings education and resources to families affected by pediatric retinal diseases, while Sunday's Hope for Vision Walk brings together our community to fund critical research and programs. Participate in one or both events, either virtually or in person at Oakland University in Rochester, MI: https://prrf.org/upcoming-events/united-in-hope/ You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

52 min
MAR 26

The Power of Eye Patching: A Mother-Daughter Story with Cathy and Mackenzie Thompson

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 reflects on her patching years and offers a message directly to the kids and parents who are in the thick of it today. Whether you're just starting the patching journey or struggling to stay consistent, this episode is the encouragement and practical guidance you deserve to hear. To explore the Patch Pals collection of patches, resources, activity ideas, and their community of happy patchers, visit PatchPals.com. Join us April 17-19, 2026 for a powerful weekend that educates, inspires, and unites. Saturday's Family Connection Conference brings education and resources to families affected by pediatric retinal diseases, while Sunday's Hope for Vision Walk brings together our community to fund critical research and programs. Participate in one or both events, either virtually or in person at Oakland University in Rochester, MI: https://prrf.org/upcoming-events/united-in-hope/ You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

47 min
MAR 2

Assistive Technology and Everyday Independence with Jule Ann Lieberman

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 guide dog, and evaluating emerging tools like smart glasses and AI. This conversation centers on adjustment, advocacy, and the practical ways technology can strengthen confidence and independence. Learn more about TechOWL here: https://techowlpa.org/ Join us April 17-19, 2026 for a powerful weekend that educates, inspires, and unites. Saturday's Family Connection Conference brings education and resources to families affected by pediatric retinal diseases, while Sunday's Hope for Vision Walk brings together our community to fund critical research and programs. Participate in one or both events, either virtually or in person at Oakland University in Rochester, MI: https://prrf.org/upcoming-events/united-in-hope/ You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

50 min
JAN 30

Advocacy, Active Learning, and the Ripple Effect of One Voice with Paula Korelitz | Ep #41

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 to hear today. This episode highlights the power of early advocacy, thoughtful education, and one voice willing to build what systems had not yet created. Join PRRF April 17-19, 2026 for a powerful weekend that educates, inspires, and unites. Saturday's Family Connection Conference brings education and resources to families affected by pediatric retinal diseases, while Sunday's Hope for Vision Walk brings together our community to fund critical research and programs. Participate in one or both events, either virtually or in person at Oakland University in Rochester, MI: https://prrf.org/upcoming-events/united-in-hope/ You can find more episodes and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

48 min
12/18/2025

Independence in the Kitchen: Tools and Real-Life Skills with Debra Erickson | Ep #40

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 support young children learning to help in the kitchen, how teens and adults move from fear to independence, and why step-by-step exposure to tools and heat builds real skills over time. Explore the products mentioned in this episode, video resources, recipes, and more at theblindkitchen.com Follow The Blind Kitchen on social media: · Instagram: @theblindkitchen1 · Facebook: @theblindkitchen · LinkedIn: @Debra Erickson – The Blind Kitchen · YouTube: @theblindkitchen You can find more episodes, upcoming events, and ways to get involved with the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

39 min
12/04/2025

Courage Across Continents: Wallace Stuckey's Leap to London

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 prrf.org Connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/throughoureyespodcast

31 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Welcome to the "Through Our Eyes" podcast by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation. We are a community of visually impaired young adults talking about what it's like to navigate through high school, college, career, and beyond. We tap into our experiences and cover a wide range of topics providing you with actionable tips and strategies you can implement in your own life.

Creator

Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

47
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2022
Show Website

Through Our Eyes