Fact sheet: The bionic eye
UPDATED: April 2013
The Bionic Vision Australia project
Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) is a national consortium of researchers working together to develop bionic
eye devices that can restore a sense of vision to people with vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa and
age-related macular degeneration.
Who will benefit from the bionic eye?
Patients with profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration may
benefit from bionic eye. The bionic eye technology relies on the patient having a healthy optic nerve and a
developed visual cortex – patients need to have been able to see in the past for this device to be of
benefit to them. Those who have very profound vision loss will benefit most from the technology.
Retinitis pigmentosa is the main form of inherited blindness. It affects 1.5 million people worldwide and is
characterised by the progressive loss of vision. Age-related macular degeneration is responsible for
almost half of all legal blindness in Australia. It mainly affects people over the age of 65.
How will the bionic eye work?
We are developing bionic vision devices that consist of a camera, attached to a pair of glasses, which
captures the visual scene and transmits radio frequency signals to a microchip implanted at the back of
the eye.
Electrodes attached to the chip convert these signals into electrical impulses, which then stimulate the
remaining cells in the retina that connect to the optic nerve. This is then interpreted by the visual
processing centres of the brain as an image.
What we have achieved so far
In 2012, after years of research, patient tests began with a prototype bionic device successfully implanted
in three patients in Melbourne. So far, patient tests have been very successful. By working with the
patients, and testing their devices, we are answering key questions for our research programs. We are
now making preparations for testing of the full Wide-View and High-Acuity prototype devices.
The bionic eye prototypes

The 24-electrode device is an early prototype bionic eye that has been implanted in three
patients. Testing with the device is helping researchers learn more about how the brain interprets
visual information provided by electrical stimulation of the implant. Information from patient tests
is feeding back into development of the Wide-View and High-Acuity prototypes.

The Wide-View device will use 98 electrodes to stimulate the nerve cells in the back of the eye.
This will assist people with profound vision loss see the contrast between light and dark shapes,
identify large objects and obstacles and regain mobility and independence.

The High-Acuity device will use 1024 electrodes to stimulate the retina. It will provide patients
with more detailed central vision, helping them recognise faces and even read large print. It will
utilise wireless technology and diamond materials. The early version of this device will have 256
electrodes.
What’s next?
Researchers are now finalising design and development of the Wide-View and High-Acuity prototypes. In
2013 our research will focus on preparing for the first set of patient tests with these devices. The
commercial development process will begin after the successful completion of these patient tests.
Why are we different?
There are several groups around the world working to develop the bionic eye. Australia has a strong track
record in medical bionics, being home to the heart pacemaker and the bionic ear. Bionic Vision Australia
brings together leading researchers and clinicians from diverse fields, many of whom were part of the
bionic ear development. The strength and experience of our multi-disciplinary team means we have the
capability to deliver competitive technologies with significant potential benefits for patients.
Our experienced surgical team has developed a novel surgical procedure that is relatively short and noninvasive and we are developing devices that will be safe and effective for the life of the patient. The HighAcuity device will use biocompatible diamond material for the electrodes and to encapsulate the implant.
Wireless data and power transfer will also be an integral part of the design. Researchers are optimising
the vision processing methods and stimulation strategies so we can achieve the best outcomes together
with our patients.
Funding
In late 2009, the Australian Research Council awarded the Bionic Vision Australia consortium a grant of
42 million dollars following a competitive bidding process. This grant will run out at the end of 2013.
In order to test the Wide-View and High-Acuity devices in patients we must secure funding beyond the
existing grant. We are currently seeking further funding through governments and philanthropic
organisations to ensure this research can continue. We are also holding a public fundraising appeal. Find
out more about how to support bionic eye research online at: www.helpbuildthebioniceye.org.au.
The BVA consortium
Bionic Vision Australia is a national consortium of researchers from the Bionics Institute, the Centre for
Eye Research Australia, National ICT Australia, the University of Melbourne and the University of New
South Wales.
The National Vision Research Institute, the University of Western Sydney and the Royal Victorian Eye
and Ear Hospital are project partners. Bionic Vision Australia is an initiative of the Australian Research
Council.
For further information or assistance, please contact the BVA Marketing and Communications Manager, Veronika
Gouskova: e) veronika.gouskova@bionicvision.org.au | ph) +61 3 9035 3517 | m) +61 4 22 303 284
www.bionicvision.org.au
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