A Vision for Vision
“A Vision for Vision” is a wonderful example of science being inspired by the personal, but not limited in its reach because of who is affected. Professor John Nolan may have been influenced in starting his research by his mother’s vision issues, but as we see throughout every minute of Wayne Chesler’s documentary, his work can impact so many others. It’s inspiring, and enlightening, especially for someone who’s (likely) closer to the end of his life than the start of it.
When I consider my mother’s diet and health, that she ended up with dementia is not surprising. She did not take care of herself, and it wasn’t until I got her in assisted living in 2021 that her diet, and taking her meds, became regular. However, by that time some of the biggest damage had been done. It does not surprise me that, as Professor Nolan tells it, diet plays a significant role in not just Alzheimer’s but AMD, a condition that can lead to degraded vision.
Nolan’s research has encompassed two decades; in this 46-minute film, we see him go to marigold fields in Mexico; the seas of Norway; a sports facility in Singapore; and an e-gamer in the States. We also see him in his own labs in Ireland, visiting with colleagues and going to see a friend and his mother in France. This is truly a global effort, and it’s fascinating to see the many different ways in which his research can impact different people. In Singapore, we see a paralympic archer who has issues with sun glare, and as they do a study, it’s fascinating to see how it can impact (in a positive way) the archer, and the risks of being an e-gamer. It also speaks highly about the importance of sleep, which I know first hand matters. There is not much to the filmmaking of Chesler’s documentary- he’s just documenting a fascinating life’s purpose, although he does get some rich imagery in Mexico and Norway. If you’re curious about scientific research into the mind and eyes, “A Vision for Vision” is well worth taking in.
