Mass. Eye and Ear Research ‘Sings’ at Bocelli Event

December 6, 2013
Andera Bocelli and Dr. Lotfi Merabet
Andera Bocelli and Dr. Lotfi Merabet

Lotfi Merabet, OD, PhD, MPH, optometrist and scientist, was a featured speaker at the Dec. 6 Challenges Workshop at MIT. Hosted by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF), the day-long event highlighted cutting-edge research that can produce innovative solutions to help visually impaired people increase their independence and social inclusion. World-renowned tenor and songwriter Andrea Bocelli, who lost his eyesight at the age of 12, established the ABF in 2011 and created the ABF Challenges Program to promote scientific and technological research.

In Dr. Merabet’s presentation “Educational Game Software for Blind Children,” he discussed how interactive video games can help blind people develop and improve their navigation skills. He and colleagues have developed the Audio-based Environmental Simulator (AbES), which provides orientation and mobility training through an exploration-themed video game. By analyzing brain activation patterns with functional magnetic resonance imaging, Dr. Merabet and colleagues have shown that the AbES can enhance sensory-motor function—even in people blind since birth.

In addition to improving navigation skills in blind people, these findings counter many misconceptions about visual impairment. “It’s been thought that if you were born blind, you were inherently at a disadvantage. Turns out that is not the case,” says Dr. Merabet. “As scientists and engineers, we have a very good opportunity to dispel such myths and help people with presumed disabilities become fully functioning, independent and accepted members of society.”

According to Laura Biancalani, president of ABF, Dr. Merabet is well known internationally for his research to help blind people (especially children). She commended Lindsay Yazzolino as a key member of Dr. Merabet’s research team. Lindsay, who has been blind since birth, “is a real example of how you can overcome limitations,” says Mrs. Biancalini. “It’s incredible.” Mrs. Biancalini also conveyed the Foundation’s goal to develop future collaborations between ABF and local institutions, including the Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology. “It is an honor to work with MIT and Harvard University,” she says, “because you represent the best.”

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