Intracortical visual prosthesis to help people who are blind
Official title: Clinical Testing of an Intracortical Visual Prosthesis System
Funded at Illinois Institute of Technology · NIH-11139429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A device implanted in the brain is being tested to help people who are blind see by creating artificial vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illinois Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2016 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,276,282 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS095557-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with severe blindness who are eligible for a brain-implant visual prosthesis trial and meet safety criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with medical conditions that preclude brain implantation or do not meet trial criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a brain-implanted visual prosthesis in people who have severe vision loss, aiming to provide meaningful visual percepts. Researchers collaborate across multiple institutions, using prior non-human testing and safety work to move into human trials. The study involves surgical implantation and careful monitoring to understand safety, sensory perception, and quality of life changes for participants. If successful, the approach could offer a new way for people who are blind to regain some visual function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could gain new ways to perceive their surroundings and improve independence and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Past non-human testing supported progression to first-in-human trials, indicating potential feasibility and safety signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Troyk, Philip R — Illinois Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Troyk, Philip R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.