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.

Commercial Partner

• Optobionics

  Glen Ellyn, IL, USA

Milestones

• 2000: First patient implanted

Device Specifications

• Number of electrodes: 5000 microphotodiodes
• Electrode diameter: 25 μm
• Image processor location: subretinal