NHS to test experimental bionic eye implants on blind patients in 'pioneering' bid to restore sight

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Professor Paulo Stanga, from Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, was involved in earlier trials using the Argus II Bionic Eye to treat retinitis pigmentosa. He said: “I'm delighted that our pioneering research has provided the evidence to support NHS England's decision to fund the bionic eye for the first time for patients. “It surpassed all of our expectations when we realised that one of the retinitis pigmentosa patients in Manchester using the bionic eye could identify large letters for the first time in his adult life.” The procedure will funded by NHS England as part of a scheme that assesses treatments showing promise for the future. These little things make all the difference to me.” Dr Jonathan Fielden, director of specialised commissioning at NHS England said: “This highly innovative NHS-funded procedure shows real promise and could change lives.