Approval has been given to extend a German trial of retinal implants aimed at improving the vision of patients with retinitis pigmentosa to centres in the UK.
The trial, which began in Tuebingen, Germany in 2010, will be expanded across Europe in five new sites: Oxford, London, Budapest and two additional locations in Germany.
Unlike the first human clinical trial, patients are able to keep the implant permanently and use the microchip in real-life settings.
Initial results for the implants, produced by Retina Implant AG, have shown that placement of the implant below the retina in the macular region provided optimum visual results, allowing patients to recognise foreign objects and to read letters to form words.
Professor Robert MacLaren, professor of ophthalmology at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, will lead the trial at the Oxford site.
The trial will also take place at King's College Hospital in London with Tim Jackson, consultant retinal surgeon.
Professor MacLaren said: 'We are delighted to be involved in testing this pioneering subretinal implant technology. The results achieved by the Retina Implant team represent a significant advance in this technology that could greatly enhance the quality of life for people with an incurable, blinding disease. We are looking forward to working with Retina Implant to build on this impressive body of evidence.'