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Artificial Vision Study

A study testing the BrainPort® artificial vision system

Description:

We are studying whether a medical device called the BrainPort® can help blind children. The device includes a video camera mounted on top of a pair of glasses. The camera sends signals to a special tongue pad held in the mouth. Using this device, the brain “learns” to detect visual information such as shapes and movement. Walking a 40-foot obstacle course your child will learn to locate various objects. Two groups of children will participate: children who are blind and those with normal vision. Twenty children will be in the study which may take up to 6 two-hour visits. The study takes about a month to complete.

For full study description please visit: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02643238?term=BrainPort&rank=2

Who May Qualify?:

Individuals who:

  • are less than 25 years old
  • are diagnosed as blind (blindness = count fingers vision or less in both eyes)
  • have had a routine clinical eye examination
Who Does Not Qualify:

Individuals who are:

  • over 25 years old
  • on medications known to affect the visual system.

For full study description and eligibility, please visit: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02643238?term=BrainPort&rank=2

Study Status:
Closed
Study Sponsor:

Akron Children's Hospital Foundation

Full IRB Study Title:
Continued study of Artificial Vision: Evaluation of the BrainPort® System and Investigation of Visual Ambulation
IRB Study ID:
111009
If you are interested in this study or have questions about your child's eligibility, please contact:

Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, 330-543-3193 or email research@akronchildrens.org

Lead Investigator
Richard Hertle, MD, FAAO, FACS, FAAP

Director, Pediatric Ophthalmology; Dr. Boomer and Jill Burnstine Endowed Chair in Pediatric Ophthalmology; Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Vision CenterEye CareOphthalmologyUveitis ClinicMitochondrial Center

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