Global News Podcast The Happy Pod: The injection that saved my sight
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Jan 17, 2026 
Nicki Guy, a patient whose determination led to the creation of a low-cost gel treatment for eye hypotony, shares how an injection restored her vision and allowed her to watch her son grow up. Fergus Walsh, BBC medical editor, discusses the groundbreaking CAR-T therapy now available in the UK, which can extend lives of leukaemia patients. Tarika Christian talks about her role in protecting the waters around Pitcairn Island, balancing tourism and natural resource conservation. The episode is filled with inspiring stories of innovation and resilience.
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Clear Gel Offers Better Optical Longevity
- Moorfields developed a low-cost, clear jelly injection to fill collapsed eyes instead of silicone oil to preserve vision and clarity.
- Early trial results showed seven of eight patients responded well, preventing blindness from hypotony.
Patient-Led Breakthrough Restores Sight
- Nicki Guy refused silicone oil and pushed Moorfields doctors to try a clear, water-based gel to restore her collapsed eye structure.
- The treatment improved her vision from counting fingers to nearly driving standard and restored daily activities and hobbies.
Autistic Barbie Sparks Representation
- Mattel released an autistic Barbie with features like loose clothing, headphones, a fidget spinner and eyes that look slightly to the side.
- Ellie Middleton, diagnosed at 24, says the doll helps girls recognise and accept autism earlier and without shame.