American ophthalmological technology to help Chinese people's eyesight

A next-generation intelligent retina implant project will soon settle in Changsha Economic and Technological Development Zone, committed to helping restore eyesight to those with visual impairments by introducing cutting-edge retinal technology to China. 

The project's anticipated arrival was announced at the contract signing ceremony between the district management committee and American Golden Eye Bionics LLD on Dec 18. 

The next-generation retinal implant project will help boost scientific research innovation in ophthalmology and popularize science and education in the field. It is expected to help improve Changsha's image in the global context and attract more high-end technological projects to settle down in the Hunan province capital, according to Dr. Mark S. Humayun, one of the initiators of the project. 

Since 1998, Humayun, who received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from former US president Barack Obama in December 2015, has assembled a team to research and develop intelligent retinal products. 

Core team members include Robert Grubbs, winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize in chemistry, and Yu-Chong Tai, professor of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. 

With years of concerted efforts, they co-invented the Argus Series retina implants, which restore sight to the blind and offer an unprecedented degree of sight to those with complete retinal blindness. 

The second generation retinal products have been successfully implanted in the human body and certified by the European CE and American Food and Drug Administration. 

The project marks an important step in Changsha developing smart manufacturing industry, an official at the management committee noted. It gains Changsha access to global advanced technology, and will bring Changsha considerable economic benefits as it bridges the Changsha Economic and Technological Development Zone and the world.