AmazingVision

This technology is an improved version of what the National Chiao Tung University’s Biomedical Electronics Translational Research Center (BETRC) has been developing. The BETRC created an artificial retina that uses two threads to transmit power from the eyewear worn by the user to a chip implanted in the eyeball. Amazing Vision has added a tiny solar panel to the chip that generates power by absorbing infrared light. This improvement reduces inflammation to the eye, reduces infection risk, and gives clearer and wider vision to the patient it was implanted in. Animal tests have already been conducted and have proven useful. Human testing was delayed due to the pandemic, but is soon to be conducted.


A-Neuron Electronic Corp.

ATLAS Neuroengineering

Avery Laboratories

CORTIVIS

CORTIVIS is a cortical visual neuroprosthesis that is based on the Utah Electrode Array. It will be used to improve the quality of life of profoundly blind people.

Biomedical Technologies

Boston Retinal Implant

The Boston Retinal Implant Project has developed a subretinal, hermetically-enclosed, chronically-implantable vision prosthesis to restore some useful vision to people with degenerative retinal diseases, especially retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. The prosthesis offers advantages over the competing epiretinal devices by providing a lower risk of eye infection, reduced erosion through the delicate tissues that cover the front of the eye (i.e. the conjunctiva), and the ability to place stimulating electrodes closer to retinal nerve cells. 

Bionic Eye Technologies

BS01

Bionic Sight, LLC

Suprachoroidal Prosthesis (24-channel)

The BVT Bionic Eye System is a suprachoroidal implant manufactured by Bionic Vision Technologies. The Gen1 Bionic Eye System was previously known as BVA 24 and was manufactured by the Bionic Vision Australia consortium in 2012. The commercialization rights and research rights of BVA were then taken over by Bionic Vision Technologies (BVT) in 2017. The Gen1 Bionic Eye System used a non-implantable percutaneous connector whereas the Gen2 Bionic Eye System is fully implantable. BVT is now developing the Gen3 Bionic Eye System.

Suprachoroidal Prosthesis (44-channel)

The 44 Channel Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis is a second generation device boasting a higher electrode array and larger field of view than the first generation device launched by Bionic Vision Technologies. Since launching a 4-patient clinical trial in 2018, the results have indicated that the device offers functional benefits to patients while providing a safe and reproducible surgical procedure.

Bionic Vision Technologies

Blackrock Microsystems Europe GmbH

Utah Intracortical Electrode Array

Utah intracortical Electrode Array (UIEA) is a fixed geometry penetrating intracortical microelectrode array developed by a team at the University of Utah in the 1990s, aiming to provide a solid foundation for creating a cortically based visual prosthesis.

Blackrock Neurotech

Cortigent, Inc.

EPIRET1

EPIRET2

EPIRET3

The EPIRET3 implant is a remotely controlled, fully intraocular wireless device consisting of a receiver and a stimulator module. The stimulator is placed on the retinal surface. Data and energy are transmitted via an inductive link from outside the eye to the implant. Surgery included removal of the lens, vitrectomy, and implantation of the EPIRET3 device through a corneal incision.

Epi-Ret GmBH

Golden Eye Bionics, LLC

Gennaris

Gennaris is a cortical visual prosthesis. It has been designed to bypass damage to the eye and optic nerve, to restore functional vision to people who have lost their sight through traumatic injury and conditions such as glaucoma and acquired retinal disease. Gennaris is currently preparing to undergo human clinical trials in Australia.

Grey Innovations

iBionics

IMI Retinal Implant System

IMI Intelligent Medical Implants GmbH

IMIE 256 Channel Intelligent Micro Implant Eye

The 256 Channel Intelligent Micro Eye Implant is an epiretinal implant developed by IntelliMicro Micro Co and Golden Eye Bionic. The implant features advanced technology for a micro implant with an extended electrode array.

IntelliMicro Medical Co., Ltd.

HARP 4K

The HARP 4K is a next-generation biomimetic high-acuity spherical bionic retina currently in development by Iridium Medical Technologies. Designed for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, HARP-4K promises a high-density electrode array (40um spacing, with 4,000 electrodes) and a large field of view (10 degree, covering the macula).

Iridium Medical Technology Co. Ltd.

Intracortical Visual Prosthesis

The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis is currently being developed at the Illinois Institute of Technology and is being prepared for clinical testing.

MicroProbes for Life Science

OUReP

Photoelectric dye-based retinal prosthesis (OUReP) is an experimental subretinal implant developed at Okayama University that seeks to restore low-resolution vision in degenerative blinding disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa. Unlike electrode- or photodiode-based arrays, OUReP consists of a flexible polyethylene film (about 20 µm thick) whose surfaces are covalently coated with a photoelectric dye. When illuminated, the dye generates displacement currents (measurable as 100–200 mV surface-potential shifts under room-light levels) which in turn depolarise adjacent inner-retinal neurons. Because power generation and stimulation occur within the film itself, no external camera or battery is required.

Pre-clinical studies have shown that the film elicits light-evoked spikes in dystrophic rat and mouse retinas in vitro, improves behavioural and electrophysiological indices of vision after subretinal implantation in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, and restores visual-evoked-potential amplitudes for at least six months when implanted in a macaque model of macular degeneration. Surgical feasibility and ocular safety were further demonstrated in rabbits and dogs, aided by a single-use curved-tip “OUReP Injector” that rolls and inserts the film through a 1.4 mm cannula.

Extensive ISO 10993 biological evaluations found the device and its dye component non-toxic, and fabrication is performed under a dedicated clean-room quality-management system operated by Minori Industry in collaboration with the university.

A first-in-human, investigator-initiated trial has been designed for six ≥70-year-old patients with light-perception vision from retinitis pigmentosa, focusing on eyes that still retain inner-retinal layers on optical coherence tomography. OUReP is regulated in Japan as a class III medical device, with the injector classified as class II. The developers aim to offer a low-cost, wide-field prosthesis that aligns with global “no one left behind” sustainability goals.


Minori Industry Co., Ltd.

NR600

The miniature Nano Retina device, the NR600 Implant, replaces the functionality of the damaged photoreceptor cells and creates the electrical stimulation required to activate the remaining healthy retinal cells. NR600 consists of two components; a miniature implantable chip and a set of eyeglasses worn by the patient.

In the spring of 2024, Nano Retina closed down, ending the NR600 program, due to lack of investor support.

Nano Retina

Optoelectronic Nanowire Retinal Prosthesis

Nanovision Biosciences

Nerve Biomed S.L.

Link N1

The N1 implant consists of 1024 electrodes distributed across 64 threads, composed mostly of polyimide with a thin gold or platinum conductor, which are inserted into the brain through an automated process performed by a surgical robot (R1). Each thread consists of an area of wires that contains electrodes capable of locating electrical signals in the brain, and a sensory area where the wire interacts with an electronic system that allows amplification and acquisition of the brain signal.

The N1 is used as part of a product called "Telepathy". This product allows patients - or users - to perform actions simply by using their thoughts.

Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials with the N1 in May 2023. On January 29, 2024, [Musk said](https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1752098683024220632) that Neuralink had successfully implanted a Neuralink device in a human on the day prior, and that the patient (Noland Arbaugh) was recovering:"Initial results show promising neuron spike detection". Arbaugh, a complete quadriplegic, demonstrated telepathy during a live-streaming session by controlling a computer and playing video games just by thinking.

On March 20, 2024, [Musk announced](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1770579793882517633) that the next Neuralink product will be called Blindsight, used to restore a rudimentary form of vision to people who are blind.

Neuralink

Nidek Co., Ltd.

Nurotron Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

ASR Artificial Silicon Retina

Optobionics’ Artificial Silicon Retina microchip (ASR) was invented by Dr. Alan Chow and his brother Vincent Chow.  Dr. Chow is an ophthalmic surgeon and assistant professor and his brother Vincent is an electrical engineer.

The ASR was designed to stimulate damaged retinal cells from within the retina to allow the cells to recreate visual signals that are processed and sent to the brain.

The ASR microchip is a silicon chip 2 mm in diameter, 25 microns in thickness and is less than the thickness of a human hair. It fabricated using technology similar to that used in the fabrication of computer chips and contains approximately 5,000 microscopic solar cells called “microphotodiodes,” each with its own stimulating electrode.

Optobionics

Fountain Probe

Fountain Probe is an experimental deep-brain visual prosthesis under development by the Dutch start-up Phosphoenix. The device consists of an ultra-flexible “fountain-shaped” shank that deploys hundreds to >1,000 micro-electrodes throughout a compact three-dimensional volume, giving it a volumetric electrode density several orders of magnitude higher than earlier thalamic or cortical arrays[^1].

Designed for implantation through a single burr-hole in the skull, the probe is intended to fill and electrically address the entire human lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN, ≈120 mm³) with electrodes occupying < 200 mm³ of tissue[^2].

Fountain Probe is presently at the pre-clinical stage: animal studies to evaluate biocompatibility and longevity are under way in mice, and a European Innovation Council “SIGHTED” grant supports advancement from proof-of-concept (TRL-3) to a first-in-human, five-patient feasibility trial targeted for 2027[^1].

[^1]: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101212687
[^2]: https://neurotech-nl.com/project/positioned/

Phosphoenix

IRIS I

Pixium's first device, IRIS1 (Intelligent Retinal Implantable System), used an epi-retinal implant (on the retinal surface) and made it to clinical trials with the goal of obtaining CE Mark.

IRIS II

The IRIS II is a second generation epiretinal implant developed by Pixium vision to deliver light and shape perception, and to localize objects giving the patient the ability to negotiate unfamiliar environments. It consists of a 150 electrode array which allows for a better perceieved visual resolution by the user. The IRIS implant also uses asynchronous time-based image sensor technology resulting in faster, real-time image processing. 

PRIMA

The Prima System is intended to partially replace the normal physiological function of the eyes photoreceptor cells by electrically stimulating the nerve cells of the inner retina, which then transmit the visual information to the brain via the optic nerve.

Pixium Vision

Alpha IMS

The Alpha IMS is a subretinal implant developed by Retina Implant AG, aimed at restoring functional vision for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive vision loss. Implanted beneath the retina, the device features a microchip equipped with 1,500 light-sensitive photodiodes, amplifiers, and electrodes. It functions by mimicking the role of photoreceptor cells: capturing light signals and converting them into electrical impulses transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.

Alpha IMS enables patients to perceive light patterns, assisting in navigation and object recognition. Clinical trials have shown that the implant can enhance visual perception, marking a significant advancement in vision restoration technologies.

Alpha AMS

The Alpha AMS is an advanced subretinal implant developed by Retina Implant AG, designed to assist individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition marked by the progressive loss of vision. This implant is an evolution of its predecessor, the [Alpha IMS](/devices/alpha-ims), featuring enhanced functionality with 1,600 light-sensitive photodiodes that more effectively mimic the natural processing of visual signals. Implanted under the retina, the Alpha AMS converts light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, enabling patients to detect light and dark, and recognize large objects and outlines.

Retina Implant AG

Occular

Occular is a visual prosthesis designed to restore both peripheral and central vision by incorporating a high count of electrodes directly into the visual cortex. It uses advanced stimulation patterns to achieve higher resolution. The device is based on flexible micro-electrode technology, minimizing scar tissue formation and enabling high resolution. The ultra-flexible electrode arrays, made from soft, biocompatible materials, move with the brain's tissue to minimize irritation and scar tissue formation.

ReVision, the company behind Occular, has developed a patented scalable insertion mechanism, allowing neurosurgeons to implant over 1000 electrodes efficiently. This technique has demonstrated long-term performance with minimal tissue damage in animal models. The device's advanced stimulation algorithm research aims to improve resolution, ensuring users can navigate daily life with image quality equivalent to a greyscale image of over 1000 pixels.

In 2024, ReVision Implant started safety and functionality testing on trained rhesus monkeys and sheep with external electronics. By the end of 2024, the IC should be available for pre-clinical testing.

ReVision Implant

SCHOTT MiniFab

Science Eye

The Science Eye is a visual prosthesis targeted at retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two forms of serious blindness presently without good options for patients. The Science Eye is a combination device that uses an optogenetic gene therapy targeted at the cells of the optic nerve (the retinal ganglion cells) in conjunction with an implanted flexible thin-film, ultradense microLED display panel inserted directly over the retina. 

Science Corporation

Argus I

Argus I was the first-generation prototype of an epiretinal implant manufactured by Second Sight Medical Products.

Argus II

The Argus II is a retinal prosthesis device developed by Second Sight Medical Products, designed for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition characterized by severe vision impairment. As an epiretinal implant, it is placed directly on the retina's surface and consists of a small camera on eyeglasses that captures visual data. This data is processed by a portable unit and transmitted wirelessly to an electrode array in the eye, stimulating the retina's remaining cells to send visual information to the brain.

Approved by the FDA in 2013 and previously granted the CE Mark in 2011 in Europe, the Argus II was the first retinal implant to receive these certifications, allowing users to perform basic visual tasks.

However, in 2019, Second Sight discontinued the Argus II due to financial challenges, shifting their focus to the development of the [Orion Visual Cortical Prosthesis System](/devices/orion), intended to stimulate the brain's visual cortex directly.

Second Sight Medical Products

ELVIS

ELVIS, or 'Electronic Vision,' is a cortical implant that utilizes small currents to stimulate the visual cortex to produce vision. A microcomputer attached to the belt processes the outdoor scene and uses an AI algoirthm to help simplify objects for the user. Sensor Tech expects human trials to begin in 2023 and implants to be made available to the public in 2027.

Sensor-Tech

SiBionics Prosthesis

The SIBionics prostheses features 60 electrodes, high system complexity, and an integrated circuit. 

SiBionics

Sigenics

Visus Technology, Inc.

Orion Cortical Visual Prosthesis System

"The Orion Visual Cortical Prosthesis System is an implanted cortical stimulation device intended to provide useful artificial vision to individuals who are blind due to a wide range of causes, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, optic nerve injury or disease, and eye injury" (Eyewire, 2019).

Companies

A-Neuron Electronic Corp.

Biomedical / Medtech CompanyBiomedical / Medtech Company

Zhubei City, Taiwan

activeactive (2016 - present)

ATLAS Neuroengineeringverified

Component SupplierComponent Supplier

Leuven, Belgium

activeactive (2012 - present)

Avery Laboratories

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Commack, NY, USA

defunct dissolveddefunct/dissolved (1969 - ?)

Biomedical Technologies

Biomedical / Medtech CompanyBiomedical / Medtech Company

Madrid, Spain

activeactive (Status unknown)

Bionic Eye Technologies

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Ithaca, NY, USA

activeactive (2012 - present)

Bionic Sight, LLC

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

New York City, NY, USA

activeactive (2013 - present)

Bionic Vision Tech.

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Melbourne, Australia

activeactive (2017 - present)

Blackrock Europe

Biomedical / Medtech CompanyBiomedical / Medtech Company

Hannover, Germany

activeactive (2014 - present)

Blackrock Neurotech

Biomedical / Medtech CompanyBiomedical / Medtech Company

Salt Lake City, UT, USA

activeactive (2008 - present)

Cortigent, Inc.

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Valencia, CA, USA

activeactive (2023 - present)

Epi-Ret GmBH

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Giessen, Germany

defunct dissolveddefunct/dissolved (1995 - 2009)

Golden Eye Bionics

Implant DeveloperImplant Developer

Pasadena, CA, USA

activeactive (2017 - present)

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Biomedical / Medtech Company

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ATLAS Neuroengineering

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Implant Developer

defunct/dissolved (1969 - ?)

Biomedical / Medtech Company

active (Status unknown)

Implant Developer

active (2012 - present)

Implant Developer

active (2013 - present)

Implant Developer

active (2017 - present)

Biomedical / Medtech Company

active (2014 - present)

Biomedical / Medtech Company

active (2008 - present)

Implant Developer

active (2023 - present)

Implant Developer

defunct/dissolved (1995 - 2009)

Implant Developer

active (2017 - present)