I was absolutely amazed at an article I came across when browsing CBS Health Watch the other day. After a little research I found out that this idea was nothing new. Still, I wonder if this could have an effect not only on adults, but children and therefore the classroom as well. According to CBS New York, a new microchip has been developed that could help change the way blindness is approached. This microchip unlike others, relies on the eye to transmit the images. It processes light and sends signals to the brain, taking the place of the retina that is implanted behind the eye. So far, this chip has helped three patients who haven't seen anything in years, see images in black and white. Scientists soon hope to develop the chip to treat various types of blindness and allow patients to see in color!
Aside from the obvious benefits, I believe this breakthrough, if pursued further could give children who are blind an entirely new outlook in the classroom. Best case scenario I believe, children would not need the use of assistive technology in the classroom like they would previously if they were blind. This could also allow children to be placed in the "traditional" style classroom which people have been so fond of. While of course, this style of classroom will not work for all students. Reading this article on CBS Health Watch, reminds me that I take my eye sight for granted. It's not something that I've ever been without. I can't even imagine what it would be like after years of not being able to see to be given something so miraculous as sight.
Thinking about it further, maybe this 'gift' of sight wouldn't be so miraculous for everyone. Aside from various side effects which I am unaware of but I'm sure will and would be present, I wonder if this would at all be comparative to the debates of cochlear implants? I wonder if the opinions would be different for someone who is born blind, and for someone who loses their eye sight later in life. So many questions, I hope to see more conversation and movement of this topic in the future!
Wow!! Thanks for the update! I did not know that they have technology to help people see again. As I was reading your blog I was also thinking about the cochlear implants. I had a girl in one of my classes speak about how controversial they are. She said that her friends that are deaf pick on her because she has it and they tell her that she really can't be apart of their culture anymore. I wonder if it would be the same issue for the blind?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing and seems to have a great hope for the future. I could not imagine what it would feel like to not be able to see then be able to see one day. It would be interesting to hear or read about the experiences and changes those three people that had this microchip. I cannot wait to see how this microchip will evolve to help blind people see what we take advantage of every day.
ReplyDeleteWow this is an amazing breakthrough in technology! I hope that this technology can soon help many people who are blind. This technology will make a huge difference when it comes to the way previously blind children will be able to interact in the classroom. While reading your post I was wondering how expensive this surgery would be? I hope that insurance companies would cover part of the cost so eventually all children who were blind could have the chance to see, not just the children who are wealthy enough.
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