In conjunction with Retina Implant AG, Professor Robert MacLaren will lead an Oxford clinical trial to implant an electronic retinal implant in blind patients who have lost sight due to retinitis pigmentosa in 2011.

Anyone who might be interested in participating in the trial should contact:

Dr Markus Groppe, Academic Clinical Lecturer in Ophthalmology at the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, or via email at: OEHResearch @ gmail.com

For more information on the clinical trial, please follow this link: http://www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/news/features/100909retinalimplant.aspx

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Details of the first retina implant surgery in the UK

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Further details for the Retina implant study

We are conducting a clinical trial to investigate the function of a light-sensitive retinal microelectronic chip as part of a European multicentre study sponsored by Retina Implant AG. The goal of the project is to assess how blind patients can use the electronic device implanted in their eye to help with visual activities of daily life such as orientation, recognition of shapes and localisation of objects.

The newly-developed retinal chip comprises 1500 light-sensitive photodiodes, which take over the function of the photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) similar to a black and white digital camera. The electrical impulses are relayed via the optical nerve fibres to the visual cortex in the brain, where the image is perceived. Recruitment for the current study is now closed but we would be happy to see patients who feel they may be suitable for future trials.

For the current study, patients need to be blind in both eyes, or whose visual function is so poor that they are unable to identify objects, navigate independently or see shapes clearly. The inner part of the retina (which includes the optic nerve) needs to be intact and the optical media need to be clear (i.e. no cataract) as light must pass through the eye to reach the chip on the retinal surface. Patients who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, choroideraemia or extensive cone-rod dystrophy might be suitable. The participants must have had at least twelve years experience of good vision earlier in life.

Unfortunately the implant is not suitable for patients who suffer from glaucoma, optic nerve disease, disorders of the blood supply to the retina (e.g diabetic eye disease), detachment of the retina or blindness due to accidents. Patients with age-related macular degeneration cannot participate in the study at present. Participants must also be healthy enough to undergo a long operation with a general anaesthetic, at least 18 years old and no older than 78 years old.