I firmly believe Dobelle is right about this system replacing braille,
canes, and other devices. But that will only happen once the cost comes
down, and this procedure becomes commonplace. We are still a couple years
away from FDA approval, but that will come, and the equipment will become
less expensive. Let's look at this realistically. The Dobelle system
consists of a camera, and a micro computer, and two electrode arrays. The
cost of a camera and computer is only a few thousand dollars. Under mass
production or something resembling it, the electrode arrays will also come
down in price. It's only a matter of time.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vikki Stefans" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 11:06 PM
Subject: Re: Popular Mechanics Article on Dobelle Artificial Vision System


> This line bugs me right here.  What about people with cortical vision
> impairment, for one thing?  And what about the fact that Braille does not
> require batteries and works even if you are deaf and blind, especially if
> we find we can't get quite enough visual discrimination with the
> implant to read print?  I still hear people state that talking books and
> screenreading mean no-one really needs Braille anymore either.  This new
> technology may be great and do nothing but steadily get greater, but why
> state that it will replace all other technology instead of add to the
> range of possibilities?
>
> Vikki Stefans, M.D., pediatric physiatrist (rehab doc for kids) at UAMS
> and Arkansas Children's Hospital.  Working Mom of Sarah T. and Michael C.,
> and wife of Henry Stefans, travel agent extraordinaire.  Every mom is a
> working mom!- OK, dads too. Other address: [log in to unmask]
>
> On Fri, 28 Jun 2002, joe j lazzaro wrote:
>
> > Dr. William H. Dobelle is chief executive officer of The Dobelle
> > Institute of Commack, N.Y., which developed the electronic eye.
> > He says the technology is the future in eye care advancement for
> > the blind.
> >
> > "As our technology improves and becomes less costly, Braille,
> > the long cane and the guide dog will become obsolete as surely
> > as the airplane replaced the steamship," Dobelle says.