Using technology to help blind individuals perceive their environment
Official title: Sensory Substitution and Brain Plasticity Following Vision Loss
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11000330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new devices that help people who are blind understand what’s around them by turning camera images into signals they can feel, making it easier for them to navigate their environment without surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $745,798 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034897-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are blind or have severe visual impairments and are interested in exploring new ways to perceive their surroundings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact vision or those who have conditions that do not affect their visual processing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing visual sensory substitution devices that convert images from a camera into signals that can be interpreted by individuals who are blind. By using non-invasive and cost-effective technologies, the project aims to enhance the ability of blind individuals to understand their surroundings without the need for surgical interventions. The research will explore how the brain adapts to these new sensory inputs, particularly in individuals who have lost their vision at different ages, to improve the effectiveness of these devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for blind individuals by providing them with better tools to navigate and interact with their environment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using sensory substitution techniques, but this project aims to refine these methods and explore new avenues, making it a novel approach in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Kevin C — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chan, Kevin C
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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.