Apparently, We Have the Technology

NICK PLATT / THE EAGLE

Australian researchers unveiled the first prototype bionic eye today.
Patients receive an implant into their retina which stimulates individual neurons with an electronic pulse. The implant wirelessly receives still images taken by a camera, and triggers corresponding neurons to form a rudimentary picture in the brain. The device has 60 electrodes, an improvement on previous models, which contained only 16. Currently, the artificial vision “provides users with increased mobility and independence,” and they promise upgrades which will allow recipients to recognize the faces of their loved ones and read “large print” books.
The research was the produced by Bionic Vision Australia, who received a $42 million grant from the Australian Federal Government two years ago. They also announced that an improved version, featuring a camera implanted into the eye, will be unveiled in 2013.

A  youtube clip of the group’s progress back in 2008.