The infrared gadget that could let the blind see

The technology is based on a technique known as 'neuromodulation' in which electricity from a chip stimulates the nervous system to restore sight. The revolutionary system is being commercialised by French company Pixium Vision, with clinical trials scheduled for 2016. 

Retinal implants that restore some sight when in the blind are already available, but their quality isn't good enough to work in many real-world conditions.

Pixium Vision's solution, however, claims it has been able to restore the sight of rats to a level equivalent to 20/250.

This would allow the wearer to see the largest line of letters in an opticians test. A new trial of the system is due to begin next year by Australia’s Bionic Vision. The cost for the system is expected to be around 100,000 euros, plus surgery.

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