Losing vision or being born without vision at all can be a devastating situation. Science has always made it easy for people with disabilities to live a more dignified life and support systems already exist for those who cannot see. Associate Professor Michael Ibbotson from The Vision Centre and The Australian National University is leading a project where scientists are developing a bionic eye that might help the completely blind to “see”.

It aims to implant electrodes in the retina of the eye and the brain receives this information in order to help the person “see”. The idea is to enable the person to see meaningful images and even read text, though the vision may not be similar to that of a person with normal vision. Australian Federal Government has awarded a $42 million award to the Bionic Vision project.

It may bring hope to millions of people who lead almost frustrating lives without being able to see. Medical science is growing leaps and bounds, but with greedy pharmaceuticals playing ganglord-like roles, they just may not want disabilities and diseases to be eradicated thanks to science!