Visually impaired adventurer Neelu Jennings and Optimed’s Craig Norman are teaming up in April to race the Porirua Grand Traverse.
Celebrating two decades of action and fun, the multisport event involves legs in a double kayak (12k), a tandem mountain bike (28k) and a supported trail run (18k).
Jennings lost about 70% of her vison and acquired a balance impairment following a brain injury and ensuing coma at 16 years old; she can see blurry shapes and colour but has little depth perception.
NZ Optics
A Senior reporter at NZ Optics. With nearly 10 years at NZ Optics, Susanne has gained an in-depth knowledge and understanding of eye health and the optics industry in New Zealand.
New research links glucosamine, a joint pain supplement, to a 25% higher likelihood of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to
Not letting these challenges hold her back, Jennings was determined to continue pursuing her passion for adventure sports and has excelled in them. After summitting Mt Aspiring in 2010, she began pushing herself further and has since climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, skied the Tasman Glacier, paddled across Wellington Harbour and, in 2012, became the first legally blind person to complete the Coast to Coast with support.
A keen mountain biker, Norman rode with Jennings about 15 years ago and, last year, she asked if he’d be interested in supporting her in the mountain bike leg of the Porirua event. “I decided to offer support for all three disciplines. I have enjoyed our training sessions together and the event definitely provides motivation to get out and keep fit!”
Stoked to have Norman’s support, Jennings said her teammate is absolutely integral to every part of the race. “He’s so committed whatever happens, he won’t get upset, he will stick with me and see it through.”
Having not raced in the six years since having her kids, Jennings said she’s both excited and nervous about the event. “It’s a six-hour race, which used to be easily manageable; now I’m thinking, wow, six hours, that’s quite a long time! I’m fortunate to have Craig by my side – he’s the best person to be doing this with,” she said.
Also supporting Jennings, Essilor has gifted her a pair of Oakley prescription glasses, for which Maile Tarsau from Eye Spy Optometrists in Palmerston North has provided a free eye test and fitting. “We are lucky to have this support,” Norman said.
Go team, have a great race! For anyone interested in sponsoring the team, please email: [email protected]z
Clinician-scientists identified bacterial pathogens linked to poorest outcomes in postprocedural acute endophthalmitis, potentially supporting faster, personalised treatment and improving patient
EssilorLuxottica and US company Applied Materials have joined forces to accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation intelligent optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewe…
Vanni Eyewear introduces model V1829, an oval frame with a unique nosepiece reinforcement that allows for thick lenses while maintaining lightness and thinness. Available in four colourways.
The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is seeking urgent feedback from General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contractors in England regarding 2026/27 fees and grants, citing
EssilorLuxottica introduces Varilux Physio Extensee, the newest lens in the Varilux progressive lens family. Varilux Physio Extensee includes the Pupilizer technology which is derived from Essilor's AI Twinning technology and dynamic pupil modelling. The result is that wearers report +18% improvemen