Hi Sharon and Everyone,

I sent this to Vernon, and he printed it so we can take it to our eye 
doctor on the 11th of April.

I wonder if this would help those of us who are RLF now known as ROP? 
Does anyone know?

Thanks.

Blessings,

Pat Ferguson


At 04:07 PM 4/1/2011, you wrote:
>Feature Writer Alena Roberts - Clinical Trials for a European
>Artificial Retina Come to the US
>Throughout my life, I've had multiple doctors tell me that they think
>that my vision will be restored in my life time. The research into
>artificial retinas in the last five years has made me think that this
>might actually be true. Earlier this month, the European Union
>authorized the use of the Argus II, a retinal implant that was
>developed here in the states. This implant uses an external camera to
>provide images of the person's surroundings. More exciting though, in
>my opinion, is the announcement that the Wills Eye Institute will be
>conducting clinical trials of the Sub-retinal implant that was
>developed in Germany.
>Unlike the Argus II, the sub-retinal implant does not require an
>external camera to work because the implant is behind the retina. This
>implant also has over 1500 photo cells, which means that the images
>the patient sees are clearer. This number is nowhere near the number
>of photo cells that the human eye has, but it's a step in the right
>direction.
>According to Retinal Implant A.G.'s website, here are some of the
>benefits that patients might get from the implant:
>Orientation in space
>Visual Field between 8 and 12 degrees
>Ability to read without visual aids except reading glasses, at least
>recognizing someone holding two fingers, and recognizing faces
>Ability to recognize letters with additional visual aids
>These benefits may seem small to some, but for those of us who have
>lived without usable vision for many years, this is huge. I myself
>miss reading the most, and although I enjoy reading Braille, I miss
>being able to enjoy a bookstore or library. I sometimes struggle with
>whether I want my vision to be restored. A part of me has very much
>accepted my blindness, but there is a part of me that misses being
>able to see someone smile or watch a sunset. I think that those of us
>who have lost our vision rather than never had it, have a harder time
>deciding whether they would ever want their vision restored if the
>option was available. At this point, I think I would be a part of a
>clinical study if it was available to me. I would like to hear from
>readers about their thoughts on this implant and restoring vision.
>If you live in the Philadelphia area or think that you might be a
>candidate for the upcoming clinical trial I encourage you to contact
>the Wills Eye Institute.
>To learn more about the Wills Eye Institute visit this link:
>http://www.willseye.org/
>To learn more about Retinal Implant AG visit this link:
>http://www.retina-implant.de/en/about/default.aspx
>
>Remember to count your blessings and thank the Lord who bestowed them upon
>you.