Optimization of stimulation strategies for a retinal implant

Recent clinical trials demonstrated the capacity to partially restore vision of blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration by electrically stimulating the remaining neurons based on an image captured by an external camera. However, these implants transmit the data and power through percutaneous cables traversing the eyeball. Although these implants have the promising ability to restore visual function, the percutaneous cables increase infection risks and complicate surgical procedures. To overcome the limitations of previous wired implants, we designed a novel implant based on an optical infrared link to transmit both data and power. Although the implant is electrically functional, confirming the feasibility of this novel approach requires to test the implant in-vivo. The research project consists in testing the implant, in partnership with the National Vision Research Institute in Melbourne, and developing a novel stimulation strategy that will maximize the visual acuity while minimizing the power requirement.

Faculty Supervisor:

Réjean Fontaine

Student:

Partner:

Australian College of Optometry

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: