Investigating how brain stimulation can help restore vision in blind individuals
Official title: Studying stimulation of long-range cortical projections involved in visual-spatial behavior in non-human primates with a novel multimodal optoelectronic device
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11066870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help people who have lost their sight by using a special device to stimulate the brain and create visual sensations, and it's being tested on monkeys first to find ways that could eventually help humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30EY037143-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with acquired blindness who have an intact visual cortex but lack functional vision.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital blindness or those whose visual cortex has been significantly damaged may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how to stimulate specific brain connections to produce visual sensations in individuals with acquired blindness. Using a novel optoelectronic device, researchers will explore the biophysical mechanisms of cortical stimulation and its effects on behavior. The study will involve non-human primates to develop techniques that could eventually translate to human applications. By optimizing viral delivery methods and enhancing stimulation technologies, the goal is to create a reliable cortical visual prosthesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore vision for individuals suffering from acquired blindness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar optogenetic approaches for neural stimulation, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Royce — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Dong, Royce
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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.