Artificial Vision Offers Ray of Hope for Blind

Wall Street Journal ^ | Wednesday, August 27, 2003 | Antonio Regalado

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Connie Schoeman began losing her vision in 1957 and is now blind. But since doctors placed a thin strip of electronics onto the back of her right eye in March, she has seen spots of light and bright shapes.

The type of vision being experienced by Mrs. Schoeman, 76 years old, may be remembered one day as a giant step forward for the blind. After years of research and laboratory prototypes, artificial vision now is being extensively tested in humans for the first time. During the past two years, 26 people in the U.S. and Europe have received a variety of experimental implants, and more surgeries are planned.

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I can't wait to get fitted for my pair..."

[AFPhys]

The simple images patients see are produced by turning on different combinations of the 16 electrodes. One of Dr. Humayun's patients is able to make out a foot-high letter U from a letter H from a few feet away after scanning the letters for about 15 seconds.

OH, just great... just jim-dandy... with this technology now available we are going to be littering all the streets and public buildings with signs having foot-high or larger letters so they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[presidio9]

I think it's pretty exciting. Think of how far flat-screen technology has come in only the last decade, and it is not impossible to (sorry for the pun) envision a world where science really can make the blind see. And, best of all, no babies have to die for this breakthrough!

[Frank_Discussion]

Thanks for some good news in the morning!

[Question_Assumptions]

When the resolution improves, it should be possible to wire such people directly into computers so they can use them for reading and writing.

[presidio9]

Technology truely is an amazing thing.

It's 2003. Where's my helicopter-car already?

[Question_Assumptions]

Where's my helicopter-car already?

Considering investing some money in SoloTrek.

Larry Niven has an interesting take on this question.

"The wealth (as in flying cars) predicted by Heinlein and his followers (including myself) was another matter. It all went to welfare programs."

[presidio9]

Yeah, now you're talking!