Gofrixty [25 August 2025] – Australians are testing a groundbreaking new bionic eye that can help the blind see. Researchers from the Bionics Institute and their collaborators created the device that’s currently performing well in clinical trials. There is hope for people afflicted with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, a disorder that destroys the retina and eventually leads to blindness.
The bionic eye is part of a smart system. A small electrode array is implanted behind the retina by a doctor. The patient then dons glasses mounted with a small camera. This camera acquires images of the world and delivers the data to a vision processing device. The device processes the images and turns them into signals that are delivered to the electrode array, so that the brain can recognize the signals as visual information. In short, the bionic eye assists blind people in detecting objects, movement and spaces.
Early clinical trials were promising. Four previously sighted participants tested the device for just under three years. All had real gains. They could identify door frames, anticipate movement, and navigate new environments with more ease. The trial also showed that the device is safe. Most in fact worked just fine with years’ use.
