clinical and rehabilitative medicine research program - prosthesis pilot study award
the goal of the fy15 vppsa is to fund projects exploring novel technologies that will contribute to the development of a working visual prosthesis prototype for individuals who have sustained functional or structural enucleation. examples of enucleation are severe macular degeneration (functional) and traumatic injury (structural). development of a visual prosthesis addresses the identified crmrp gap of inadequate vision restoration options for wounded warriors, their dependents, and the public.
specifically, the vppsa supports the exploration of highly innovative, potentially high-gain concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address an important problem in the development of a visual prosthesis. results of studies conducted through this award should inform the development pathway for a visual prosthesis prototype.