Scientists from MIT and other organizations have developed a new prototype of a less invasive retinal prosthesis to be implanted behind the retina to take over the function of lost retinal cells by electrically stimulating retinal neurons.

A camera mounted on a pair of glasses sends images to a microchip attached to the eyeball. The glasses also contain a coil that wirelessly transmits power to receiving coils surrounding the eyeball.

The device would not restore normal vision but it could help blind people more easily navigate a room or walk down a sidewalk. They hope to start testing in blind patients within the next three years.