Science Corporation implants its vision-restoring chip in its first Stargardt disease patient
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Science Corporation has successfully implanted its PRIMA vision-restoring chip into its first patient with Stargardt disease, marking a significant milestone for the company founded by former Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak. The procedure, conducted at Sydney Eye Hospital in Australia, allows patients to perceive high-contrast black-and-white images through a small implant that acts as artificial photoreceptors. While currently limited to a narrow field of view and central vision, early rehabilitation sessions have enabled the patient to read letters and words. Hodak emphasized that this technology serves as a stepping stone toward broader brain-computer interface applications, including treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke recovery. The company aims to expand the device's capabilities over the next five years to achieve acuity closer to native human vision. Although commercially available in Europe for age-related macular degeneration, the Stargardt trial demonstrates the potential applicability of the chip to other incurable eye conditions. Ultimately, Science Corporation seeks to extend healthspan by developing BCIs that may become necessary for aging populations.
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