Restoring vision by stimulating the optic nerve
Official title: Restoration of Optic Nerve Function Driven by In Vivo Multimodal Electrical Stimulation
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11047732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people who are legally blind because of optic nerve damage by using electrical stimulation to encourage the growth of important cells that send visual signals, with the hope of improving their vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $684,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035375-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are legally blind due to optic nerve injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact optic nerves or those whose blindness is not related to optic nerve damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to restore vision in individuals who are legally blind due to optic nerve damage. By using electrical stimulation techniques, the study aims to direct the growth of retinal ganglion cell axons, which are crucial for transmitting visual information. The research involves a collaboration of experts from various fields, including electrical engineering and neuroscience, to develop effective stimulation protocols that promote axon regeneration and improve visual function. Patients may benefit from this innovative method that seeks to overcome the limitations of current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore vision for millions of people with optic nerve damage.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful approaches to optic nerve regeneration, this specific method of using electrical stimulation to direct axon growth is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gokoffski, Kimberly K — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gokoffski, Kimberly K
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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.