In this episode of the BroadEYE Podcast, we welcome inventor, researcher, and MacArthur Fellow Dr. Joshua Miele. Known for his pioneering work in accessible technology for blind users, Dr. Miele shares his journey from early advocacy to his role at Amazon’s Lab126, where he continues to develop tools that redefine independence and equity in the built and digital worlds.

Explore Dr. Joshua Miele’s work, projects, and writings on his personal site, MieleLab, which highlights his innovations in accessible design and disability inclusion. You can visit it here: www.mielelab.com

Joining as co-host is Victoria Nolan—a decorated Paralympian, accessibility advocate, and BroadEYE regular. With lived experience navigating vision loss, Victoria brings deep empathy and clarity to the discussion, drawing out the personal and systemic forces that shape accessibility work today.

Together, they explore:

• The real meaning of inclusion, and why accessibility must be baked in—not bolted on.

• Dr. Miele’s development of tactile maps, screen readers, and accessible media interfaces.

• How institutions can move from compliance to genuine cultural transformation.

Dr. Miele also reflects on the resilience required to challenge ableist assumptions and the power of disabled leadership in tech innovation. His message is clear: access is not about charity—it’s about justice.

About Our Guests

Dr. Joshua Miele is a blind scientist, designer, and advocate for accessibility. Currently a Principal Accessibility Researcher at Amazon, he has developed technologies that empower blind and visually impaired people to navigate cities, classrooms, and digital spaces. He is a 2021 MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and a prominent voice for disability rights and design justice.

Want to learn more? Pick up Dr. Miele’s powerful memoir, “Connecting the Dots: From the Blind Side”, now available on Amazon.

Victoria Nolan is a Canadian Paralympic rower, author, and passionate advocate for inclusion. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in her youth, she went on to compete internationally in rowing, including two Paralympic Games. Today, she is an influential public speaker and ambassador for breaking down barriers for people with vision loss.

In this episode of the BroadEYE Podcast, host Sean Maloney is joined by guest co-host Dr. Carlos Quezada-Ruiz for a deep and inspiring conversation with Dr. Margaret Chang, one of the leading figures in retina research and innovation.

From the start, Dr. Quezada-Ruiz sets the tone, describing Dr. Chang as not only a scientific leader but also a mentor, friend, and advocate for meaningful innovation. Their conversation ranges from early inspirations and pivotal career decisions to her ongoing efforts in bridging clinical research and real-world impact.

Dr. Chang shares candid thoughts on what drives her work at the intersection of patient care and technology, how she evaluates opportunities in translational research, and what keeps her motivated in the ever-evolving field of retina. Her reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of a researcher who blends vision, rigor, and humility.

Whether you're a clinician, student, or someone curious about the future of ophthalmology, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insight.

About Our Guest Dr. Margaret Chang is an internationally recognized retina specialist and researcher. With a career spanning academia, clinical practice, and biotech innovation, she is known for her leadership in translating science into practice. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Dr. Chang continues to influence the field through both groundbreaking research and mentorship.

In this episode of the BroadEye Podcast, hosts Shawn Maloney and Dr. Bruno Fernandes welcome Prof. Michel Michaelides, one of the most active clinical researchers in ophthalmology today. Prof. Michaelides leads a large inherited retinal disease clinic—seeing 30–40 children and adults each week—and splits her time between patient care, advanced imaging research, and steering more than ten ongoing clinical trials.

Why This Matters Inherited retinal diseases affect hundreds of thousands worldwide, and for most there is still no approved treatment. Over the past two years, we’ve seen multiple Phase 1/2 gene-therapy trials move into registrational studies, alongside novel antioxidant approaches and AI-driven biomarkers. Today’s conversation cuts through the jargon to give you a clear picture of where the field stands—and where it’s headed.

Key Takeaways

• Beyond RPE65: While Luxturna paved the way, newer AAV-based therapies for X-linked RP (RPGR) and other targets are now in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, with early data showing promising safety and efficacy.

• Imaging & Function: Prof. Michaelides is pioneering next-generation retinal imaging devices and novel functional assays to capture meaningful changes in vision—critical for shortening trial timelines.

• Antioxidant Strategies: High-dose N-acetylcysteine trials are under way, offering a non-viral approach to slow photoreceptor degeneration across multiple genetic subtypes.

• AI in Stratification: Machine-learning algorithms on retinal scans can help predict progression rate and identify the best candidates for specific therapies, improving both trial design and patient outcomes.

• Balancing Dose & Safety: Finding the sweet spot between transgene expression and immune activation remains a core challenge—Prof. Michaelides shares lessons learned from dose-escalation cohorts.

• Phase 3 & Beyond: With over a hundred patients enrolled in pivotal studies, we’re closing in on potential approvals—but long-term follow-up and real-world evidence will determine ultimate impact.

About the Guest Prof. Michelle Michaelides is a clinician-scientist specializing in inherited retinal diseases. She leads dedicated adult and pediatric IRD clinics, oversees the development of advanced imaging and functional biomarkers, and serves as principal investigator on over ten clinical trials spanning gene therapies, antioxidant agents, and AI-guided stratification tools. Prof. Michaelides regularly lectures at international conferences and collaborates with industry and academic partners to accelerate the translation of research into real-world treatments.