What is the bionic eye? Often when we talk about the bionic eye,
people get the idea of some sort of artificial eye implanted to
replace visual function. In reality, the “eye” comprises a
series of components. It is an implanted system that includes a
retinal implant with an array of electrodes that electrically
stimulate surviving nerve cells at the back of the eye. In a
nutshell, this retinal prosthesis is designed to restore some
sense of vision to people who are blind due to degenerative
retinal conditions. Who are we? Bionic Vision Australia is a
group of research collaborators from Melbourne, Sydney and
Canberra. Our consortium is set up as a joint venture between
five member organisations: the Bionic Ear Institute, the Centre
for Eye Research Australia, NICTA, the University of Melbourne
and the University of New South Wales. We also have researchers
involved from two supporting organisations: Australian National
University and the University of Western Sydney. There are just
over 100 researchers and s