Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
09:29
A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
13.1K
Attitudes of potential recipients toward emerging visual prosthesis technologies
Vicky Karadima1, Elizabeth A Pezaris2, John S Pezaris3,4
1Multisensory and Temporal Processing Lab (MultiTimeLab), Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece.
Scientific Reports
|July 6, 2023
Summary
Potential patients perceive risks outweighing benefits for visual prostheses, with retinal devices being most favorable and cortical least. Improved device performance is crucial for widespread acceptance of these blindness treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Multiple visual prosthesis devices are emerging for blindness treatment.
- Understanding patient expectations, acceptance, and risk-reward perceptions is crucial.
- Previous studies focused on single device approaches in diverse global locations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate attitudes of blind individuals in Athens, Greece, towards Retinal, Thalamic, and Cortical visual prosthesis approaches.
- To quantitatively compare potential patients' perceptions of different visual prosthesis technologies.
- To identify factors influencing willingness to participate in clinical trials for visual prostheses.
Main Methods:
- An informational lecture on visual prosthesis approaches was delivered.
- Participants completed preliminary Questionnaire 1.
- Focus groups were conducted for guided discussion.
- Participants completed a detailed Questionnaire 2.
Main Results:
- Perceived risk outweighed perceived benefits across all approaches.
- The Retinal approach had the least negative impression; the Cortical approach had the most negative.
- Concerns regarding the quality of restored vision were paramount.
- Age and duration of blindness were key factors for clinical trial participation.
- Focus groups shifted impressions towards extremes and reduced willingness to participate.
Conclusions:
- Visual prostheses face significant hurdles in patient acceptance due to perceived risks and concerns about vision quality.
- The Retinal approach is viewed more favorably than Thalamic or Cortical.
- Substantial performance improvements are needed for widespread adoption of visual prostheses.
