1 Mar 2022
Scottish entrepreneur who lost 95% of his eyesight by the age of 18 launched his own travel firm and is excited to be delivering key speech on first day in Manchester.
Joshua Silverwood
Job Title
A blind adventurer and TV presenter is set to deliver the keynote speech for the first day of BSAVA Congress 2022.
Scottish entrepreneur Amar Latif will take to the stage to give the key address, joined by veterinary specialists from across the industry, at the event’s launch in Manchester later this month (24 to 26 March).
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Mr Latif lost 95% of his eyesight by the age of 18.
Mr Latif became frustrated to discover travel companies don’t accommodate blind and partially sighted people, and so launched his own travel firm, Traveleyes.
He said: “I’ve been told I ‘can’t’ throughout my life. But limitations are usually in our heads. Recognising that, and making decisions for what we want, not what we think we can do, is very powerful and can propel us to do the seemingly unachievable.
“I’m really excited to be presenting the keynote at Manchester Central. The veterinary profession has faced some incredibly difficult challenges with the pandemic. I understand some of that frustration and hope I can bring a little inspiration to see the world from a unique point of view.”
Member of the BSAVA Congress programme committee Andy Green said organisers wanted a speaker who would be able to inspire attendees.
Mr Green said: “Amar is a very warm and engaging speaker, and his story speaks to everyone regardless of background, job title or personal circumstance.
“We want delegates to leave with a sense of hope, of optimism and renewed appreciation for the things in their lives that really matter.”
The programme also features the first “Day in the life of…” – an experiential case study of anaesthesia dramas set in a general practice. Featuring actors and speakers in the scenarios, the case studies are a novel approach to delivering CPD.
BSAVA Congress 2022 takes place online and at Manchester Central on 24 to 26 March. To register, visit the BSAVA events website.
