30 August 2012
The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) have published an update on the recent progress of the Bionic Vision Australia research consortium.
"Researchers from CERA, as part of the Bionic Vision Australia consortium, have successfully performed the first patient implant of an early bionic eye prototype; a major milestone for the Bionic Eye project.
The first of three patients to receive the implant, Ms Dianne Ashworth has profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition. She has now received what she calls a 'pre-bionic eye' implant that enables her to experience some vision. A passionate technology fan, Ms Ashworth was motivated to make a contribution to the bionic eye research program.
After years of hard work and planning, Ms Ashworth's implant was switched on last month at the Bionics Institute, while researchers held their breaths in the next room, observing via video link.
"I didn't know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I could see a little flash...it was amazing. Every time there was stimulation there was a different shape that appeared in front of my eye," Ms Ashworth said.
Dr Penny Allen, a specialist surgeon at the CERA, led a surgical team to implant the prototype at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
"This is a world first - we implanted a device in this position behind the retina, demonstrating the viability of our approach. Every stage of the procedure was planned and tested, so I felt very confident going into theatre," Dr Allen said.
The implant is only switched on and stimulated after the eye has recovered fully from the effects of surgery. The next phase of this work involves testing various levels of electrical stimulation with Ms Ashworth.
"We are working with Ms Ashworth to determine exactly what she sees each time the retina is stimulated using a purpose built laboratory at the Bionics Institute," said Professor Rob Shepherd, Director of the Bionics Institute.
"The team is looking for consistency of shapes, brightness, size and location of flashes to determine how the brain interprets this information."
Read more about the project on the CERA website here.