New film showcases Carrick-on-Suir scientist's important eye and brain health research

A documentary on the groundbreaking research of Carrick-on-Suir scientist Prof. John Nolan and his team into the role of special nutrients in protecting your eye and brain health was screened for the first time in his hometown last week.

Two private screenings of A Vision for Vision took place at Brewery Lane Theatre last Thursday and Friday to celebrate the film’s completion. They were attended by 170 guests including Prof. Nolan’s family, neighbours and friends.

A third private screening of the 46-minute long documentary made by two-time Emmy Award winning film maker Wayne Chesler from New York at Garter Lane Theatre in Waterford last Saturday was viewed by 165 guests.

The Carrick-on-Suir screenings were followed by question and answers sessions with Prof Nolan and film maker Wayne Chesler with Newstalk’s Alive and Kicking health show presenter Clare McKenna acting as MC.

WLR broadcaster Damien Tiernan was MC for the post-screening questions and answers session at Garter Lane with consultant physician and geriatrician at Waterford University Hospital Dr Riona Mulcahy and nutrition and sleep science specialist Dr Richard Swinbourne joining Prof. Nolan and Mr Chesler on the panel for the discussion.

Jim English, Margaret O’Brien, Joan English and Clare McKenna, TV and Radio Presenter and Health and Wellness Coach at the screening of A Vision for Vision at Brewery Lanes Theatre. Pictures Anne Marie Magorrian

The documentary details the important research work carried out by Prof Nolan and his 23-strong team at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland at South East Technological University. The film is expected to be released for public viewing on a streaming platform later this year.

Prof. Nolan from William Street in Carrick, founded the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland 25 years ago.

Its primary work has been in discovering how supplementing with carotenoids, which are pigments found in plants, and Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2022, for example, his research centre carried out the Re-Mind study that demonstrated the benefits of supplementing the diets of early to mid-state Alzheimer’s patients with carotenoids, Omega-3s and Vitamin E.

Prof. Nolan, who lives in Waterford city, was approached by Wayne Chesler about making a documentary on his research after the film maker heard him give a talk in New York a few years ago.

“He had a personal interest in my research as his mother had Alzheimer's disease. The film is a way that we can inform the public about the scientific discoveries,” said Prof. Nolan.

The film took three years to make and shows Prof. Nolan visiting the marigold flower fields of Mexico, the source of the carotenoid supplement MacuPrime that is used to help people with AMD.

He also visits Norway where his research centre sources the Omega 3 fatty acids used in the ReMind supplement that supports the management of Alzheimer’s disease and protecting your brain health.

The film features interviews with the scientists who have conducted the research, the patients who use the supplements and the business people who have helped make the supplements available to wider society.

Prof. Nolan, a past-pupil of Carrick-on-Suir’s Edmund Rice Secondary School, stresses that while the documentary deals with complex scientific research and discoveries, it is very accessible to the general public.

“The management team behind the documentary have a plan and are working to take this film to film festivals and to a platform where everyone can get to see it.”

Prof Nolan said A Vision for Vision is expected to be available for the public to view on a platform in the second quarter of this year. He advised people wishing to find out more about the film and his research to check out www.profjohnnolan.com and sign up to his newsletter.

Kathleen Farrell, Sr. Veronica Casey, Helen Nolan and her son Prof John Nolan, Leish Kelly, Sr Esther Halvey and Linda Fahy of the Tudor Artisan Hub at the private screening of A Vision for Vision at Brewery Lane Theatre.

Check out more photos from the screenings of A Vision for Vision at Brewery Lane Theatre in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

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