Research

The DIO holds two major international research symposiums which draw world-reknowned leading experts in their fields to discuss progress in research to aid and restore vision. The symposiums are held on alternating years.

The Eye and the Auto: Is a research effort related to the relationship between the eye (and its maladies) and the safe operation of a motorized vehicle. This effort will address a number of issues, some of which are: To make driving safer, how can we compensate for visual problems?--(or for that matter, ascertain whether some vision or eye "problems" make any real difference?) Can collision warning systems, or "limited licenses", or telescopic systems, or night driving systems, allow visually "less than perfect" people to maintain their independence through a valid operator's permit?

The Eye and the Chip: Is a project to facilitate the following concept: Restoring "vision" using electrical stimulation to "interface man with machines" is conceivable. Some day electrical stimulation of a chip near the retina may restore vision. Perhaps a camera on glasses or in a contact lens will transmit a signal to the chip, activating a signal of some sort to send to the visual cortex. When this initiative is successful some who now live in darkness may be able to see light, or forms, hopefully allowing visual cues to mobility and some independence.

The Eye and the Chip studies address projects that may ultimately, through leading edge technology, provide “artificial vision” to the visually impaired and blind.