About Us

Who are we?

The Artificial Vision Research Consortium is an international task-force of scientists and clinicians from the fields of ophthalmology, biomedical engineering and vision restoration who are working on a range of vision restoration technologies, including stem cells, gene therapy, visual prostheses and optogenetics.

Aim of the consortium

The overall aim is to promote a more cohesive approach to psychophysical testing of patients with severe blindness to facilitate comparison of outcomes among groups with different devices and biological and stimulation strategies. For a summary of the aspirations of this consortium, you can read the initial publication by Rizzo and Ayton.

Chairs and founding members

• Joseph F. Rizzo III, M.D., David G. Cogan Professor of Ophthalmology in the field of Neuro-ophthalmology, and Director of the Neuro-ophthalmology Service, Harvard Medical School & Co-Founder of the Boston Retinal Implant Project, Boston USA
• Lauren N. Ayton , OD, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne & Clinical Program Leader of the Bionic Vision Australia Project, Melbourne Australia
• Philip Hessburg, M.D., Medical Director, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit USA

Administrative and technical support

• The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology
• Henry Ford Center for Vision Rehabilitation and Research
• Carolyn Barth, Ph.D.
• Paul Edwards, M.D.
• David Goldman, M.D

International Task Force – working group leaders

• Prof Ian Bailey
• Prof Duane Geruschat
• Prof Gislin Dagnelie
• Prof Robert Shepherd and Dr Matthew Petoe, Bionics Institute, Melbourne Australia
• Prof Gary Rubin
• Prof Philip Troyk

International Task Force – working group team members

International Task Force – at large members

Disclosures

• Dr Rizzo is affiliated with the Boston Retinal Implant Project and has equity positions in Bionic Eye Technology and Visus Technology, and he holds a number of patents related to restoration of visual function for the blind.
• Dr Ayton is affiliated with Bionic Vision Australia, and has no financial disclosures.
• Dr Hessburg is not affiliated with any vision restoration technology or group.
• Detroit Institute of the Ophthalmology and the Henry Ford Health System have no affiliations or disclosures to report.

Please note that the information provided on this website is intended as a guide only, and should not replace treatment and advice from your medical or eye care practitioner. If you have any questions regarding your eye condition or potential interventions, please speak to your health care practitioner.