These tests which were performed in the operating room showed that patients with no light perception vision when stimulated with controlled electrical pulses via a grid of microelectrodes perceive visual sensations that could be identified as shapes corresponding to a box or crude letter recognition. We have not examined him but have had discussions with him about the retinal microchip project. In these discussions his primary interest was in what he could do raise the awareness of research efforts to encourage those with visual handicaps. The experimental efforts are proceeding well. The proof of the value of the device must wait for clinical testing.
Several groups anticipate such trails in the next couple of years.
We did not intend to be disruptive to your daily practice and once again ask for your understanding. Stevie Wonder has never been a patient at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Although it was noted that it is not likely to benefit him, an offer was made to evaluate him. The prosthesis could possibly help people who once had vision and later went blind from conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. Mr. Wonder, however, has very severe eye disease and has been blind since birth.