'Bionic' eye has helped me see again after 30 years

A grandfather today spoke for the first time of how doctors helped him see again with a pioneering 'bionic' eye implant.

Ron, 73, is one of three people in Britain who have undergone the revolutionary surgery at London's Moorfield's eye hospital. The pensioner, whose full name was not revealed, spoke of his joy at being able to carry out everyday tasks after losing his sight 30 years ago.

The implant was designed by American company Second Sight.

Light is captured by a video camera on the patient's glasses. This sends a signal wirelessly to a receiver on the outside of the eye. An implant on the retina then stimulates the optic nerve sending the image to the brain.

Ron said: "They said let there be light and there was light. For 30 years I've seen nothing at all. It's all been black but now light is coming through. It gives me grades of bright light to black and anything in between. I can actually sort out white socks, grey socks and black socks.

"It's a great privilege and an honour I think to be able to take part in an experiment such as this, hoping the outcome is going to be able to bring sight to people like me who are completely blind."

Lyndon da Cruz, who carried out the operation, said retina implants have helped make huge steps in restoring sight: "Within 50 years, people like Ron will probably be able to read again," he said.