Lighthouse International Participates In Fda-Approved Clinical Study Of The Argus™ II Retinal Prosthesis Sysyem
Information:
Leslie Gottlieb
(212) 821-9760
Lighthouse International, a leader in vision health care, is partnering with Columbia Presbyterian Hospital to study the efficacy of a new retinal prosthesis developed and commercialized by Second Sight Medical Products of Sylmar, CA. The prosthesis, which translates images from a spectacle-mounted camera to direct electrical stimulation of the retina, is designed to treat blindness due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is an inherited disease that causes degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina and progressive vision loss. The prosthesis may re-enable RP patients to detect light, objects and motion. This research project is the only long-term study of a retinal prosthesis currently being conducted anywhere in the world.
New York is one of seven sites in the United States approved to participate in this clinical trial where patients are being implanted with the device and then studied to see how effectively they can use the prosthesis. Aries Arditi, PhD, Senior Fellow in Vision Science at the Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International is the Lighthouse Principal Investigator.
"We are delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking and exciting research and to be working with such outstanding partners. Our collective work could have a profound effect on the estimated 400,000 Americans with Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases," states Tara A. Cortes, PhD, RN, President and CEO of Lighthouse International.
According to Robert Greenberg, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Second Sight, "We are very pleased to have the experience and expertise of Lighthouse International's renowned Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute involved in this important project."
###
The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute is dedicated to expanding knowledge about visual function and the psychosocial aspects of vision impairment. Research conducted provides an empirical foundation for the development of Lighthouse vision rehabilitation services and professional training programs. Consisting of a multidisciplinary team, the Research Institute is the only one of its kind housed within a vision rehabilitation agency.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org