New technology for restoring vision in patients with retinal diseases
Official title: Massively Parallel Optoacoustic Retinal Stimulation at Micrometer-Resolution
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10916519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that uses sound waves to help improve vision for people with retinal diseases, aiming to provide better results than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $207,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035437-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinal degenerative diseases who are experiencing significant vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal causes of vision loss or those who do not have retinal degenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel optoacoustic micro-lens array that aims to improve vision restoration for individuals suffering from retinal degenerative diseases. By utilizing focused ultrasound, the technology seeks to stimulate retinal cells with high precision and pixel density, potentially offering a more effective alternative to current electrical-based retinal prostheses. The approach involves a multidisciplinary team that combines expertise in nanomaterials and neural interfaces to create a soft implant designed for better integration and performance. Patients may benefit from this innovative method that promises enhanced visual outcomes compared to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with vision loss due to retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using optoacoustic technology for retinal stimulation is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of neural stimulation, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Chen — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Yang, Chen
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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.