In 2007, Second Sight of New York, Inc., changed its name to: "Doorish Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc."
The two photos above show the MeRP Array that is used in cell culture tests to prove the validity of the design and the use of the electrically conducting polymer (ECP) strands.
1.Cell culture tests on the MeRP Array. Given the Resistance of the strands used, this should bring a current reading in the microAmp range, using the standard equations. This should be adequate stimulation for nerve cells. Nerve cells may be stimulated at various parts of their anatomy at various currents. For example, a soma may be stimulated with a few hundred picoAmps, while an anon or dendrite may be stimulated with a few microAmps.
2.Using ECP strands of the same Resistance of the Array, we will run it through a Human vitreous body and run current through the strands to later determine any chemical changes in the strands due to possible interactions with the vitreous. There really should not be any changes.
3.We need to run the uni-direction tests on the ECP strands. This will determine the current flow direction of the ECP strands.
The following two research papers appear this month in the Journal of Modern Optics:
“Artificial epiRetinal Prosthesis (AeRP).” Journal of Modern Optics, Vol 53, No. 9, 2006, P. 1245-1268.
“A Wireless Photovoltaic MINI epiRetinal Prosthesis (MeRP): Concept and Design.” Journal of Modern Optics, Vol 53, No. 9, June, 2006, P. 1269-1287.
This is a photo of the MeRP array with the electrically conducting polymer (ECP) strand coming off of the photodiode cell. The array will be completed by the time this web site is updated with this picture. Cell culture studies will then be run with the array. Results will be posted as they occur.
Two research papers describing the AeRP and the MeRP are published in the following Journal:
“Artificial epiRetinal Prosthesis (AeRP).” Journal of Modern Optics, Vol 53, No. 9, 2006, P. 1245-1268.
“A Wireless Photovoltaic MINI epiRetinal Prosthesis (MeRP): Concept and Design.” Journal of Modern Optics, Vol 53, No. 9, June, 2006, P. 1269-1287.
Phase III: Second Generation Prototype of MINI AeRP (IN PROGRESS)
The purpose of this phase is to build ten MINI AeRP prototypes (Second Generation Prototypes (SGP)) that will be used for implantation in human eyes obtained from the eye bank, as practice surgery, to perform cell culture laboratory tests, and for running basic physics tests similar in nature to the First Generation Prototypes. Time for completion of Phase III tasks: 9-12 months after receipt of financing. Second Sight can begin work on this phase even with partial financing by building fewer prototypes. However, the Company’s goal will be to fully finance this phase of development in order to ensure proper testing of the devices.
It should be noted here that thanks to a grant from GULDEN OPHTHALMICS (www.guldenophthalmics.com). We are building two copies of the MeRP at Sporian Microsystems, Inc., in Lafayette, CO (www.sporian.com) and with Columbia University. Basic tests will be run at the New York Eye & Ear Hospital in New York City.
The following photo is of the Sporian photodiode chip being tested.
Patents Awarded
1. Artificial Retina: Patent Number 5,836,996 (November 17th, 1998).
2. Artificial Retina: Patent Number 5,865,839 (February 2nd, 1999).
Related News Articles
1. New York Newsday, December 28th, 1998, Business Section
2. Queens Times, January 28th, 1999, Page 15
3. Medical Electronics, April, 1999, Issue 176, Page 45
4. Queens Times, July 19th, 2001, Page 7
5. The Square (www.thesquare.com) Online news article, August 9th, 2002.
6. The Galt Global Review (www.galtglobalreview.com) Online news article. See under A Cure for Blindness?
7. Interview on radio talk show in New York City: WRTN (93.5 FM). Interviewed by Mr. James Lisa and Dr. William Dukes. Interview took place on June 5th, 2003. The interview can be heard on the Internet at www.queenstimes.com Go to "Radio Show"; then scroll to interview for June 5th, 2003.
8. Printed and Disposable Electronics News, Issue Number 1, March 25th, 2004.
9. Readers Digest, November, 2006
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