Restoring Vision A High-Acuity bionic eye
What’s next Much has already been achieved but there is still work to be done to fully develop the High-Acuity device. Over the next two years, subject to funding, we plan to: • Finalise the physical form of the device • Complete preclinical safety and efficacy testing • Prepare for patient tests with the first High-Acuity prototype • Progress the device through clinical testing in preparation for commercialisation and clinical use
What we are doing Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) is developing bionic eye devices to restore a sense of vision to people with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
Who we are We are a national consortium of researchers and clinicians from: • the Bionics Institute • the Centre for Eye Research Australia • NICTA • the University of Melbourne • the University of New South Wales. The National Vision Research Institute, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the University of Western Sydney are project partners.
Our goal Our goal is to rapidly develop internationally competitive retinal implants and technology that are shown to be clinically safe and effective in restoring sight, leading to successful commercialisation.
High-Acuity device With the High-Acuity device, we aim to provide enough functional central vision to enable people to recognise faces and read large print. Initially, the High-Acuity device will be for people with significant vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. With further development it will be suitable for people with age-related macular degeneration.
3 1 Camera captures image and wirelessly transmits data to an external, body worn processor
Wireless transmission
Electrical signals sent from retina via visual pathway to vision processing centres in the brain
2 Processor sends data to implant which stimulates retina
Power source
Innovative features • The first version of the implant will have 256 electrodes. Subsequent versions will have up to 1024 stimulating electrodes to produce detailed vision. • The High-Acuity device will be implanted epiretinally – that is, on the internal surface of the retina. This position allows for close contact with the remaining retinal nerve cells. We are developing innovative techniques to keep the implant in place. • We are using advanced diamond technology to form the electrode array and to seal the implant. Diamond is a stable and biocompatible material and is therefore safe to stay in the body for the lifetime of the patient. This is the first application of synthetic diamond to implanted stimulating electrodes. • A totally wireless system will transfer data and power to future versions of the implant.
Support our work. Find out more Visit bionicvision.org.au and: • Help fulfil the promise of our bionic eye by donating to our research • Support clinical research by registering to participate in patient tests • Find out more about how this technology works, who it will help,
and the people undertaking this important research Keep up to date with our progress: bionicvisionaustralia bionicvision Bionic Vision Australia PO Box 623 Carlton South, VIC 3053 Australia Supported by: Australian Research Council Research in Bionic Vision Science and Technology Initiative
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