Implantable Vision Restoration

Customer Profile

The customer is a trailblazer in neuro- and visual-prosthetic technologies, focused on restoring sensory function through implantable medical devices. Their mission is to improve quality of life for patients affected by blindness through innovative, clinically validated hardware and software systems. 

Challenge

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) experience a breakdown of retinal cells, leading to severe vision loss. Our customer developed a pioneering implantable device to deliver artificial vision through ocular stimulation. The system relied on a microcamera mounted on glasses, transmitting visual data to a retinal implant. The embedded solution required a compact yet powerful SoM to process visual input and wirelessly transmit signals—while fitting seamlessly into the eyeglass frame. 

The customer also needed a long-lifecycle solution. Medical devices undergo lengthy regulatory approvals, and once on the market, require ongoing component support. We were entrusted to supply an embedded system that could meet rigorous performance and compliance standards, while also offering dependable long-term availability to sustain the device's commercial lifespan. 

Solution Summary

Leveraging our Torpedo + Wireless SoM, we enabled a first-of-its-kind FDA-approved implantable vision restoration system with compact processing and wireless control. 

Solution

Our Torpedo + Wireless SoM offered a compact design, wireless capability, and reliable processing—all under one square inch—to power the customer’s vision-restoring glasses. It enabled real-time image processing and seamless wireless communication with the implanted retinal stimulator, while complying with strict FDA and CE medical device standards. 

To ensure long-term availability, our team implemented a consignment inventory strategy that safeguarded component supply and mitigated the risks of obsolescence. This support was crucial for a device requiring extended regulatory approval and lifecycle support. 

We worked closely with the customer through all phases—design, validation, and deployment—allowing them to focus on clinical innovation. With our reliable and compact embedded platform, they were empowered to bring a first-of-its-kind vision solution to life while preparing for future generations of implantable technology. 

Result

The device became the first FDA- and CE-approved optical implant for treating RP, successfully restoring vision to over 350 patients. Our SoM delivered the performance and dependability needed to meet strict medical standards. Now, we continue supporting the customer in their development of a next-generation brain-implant device—bypassing the eye entirely—to serve more patients. The project is on track for FDA approval and considered for the Breakthrough Devices Program. 

Torpedo + Wireless System-on-Chip (SOC)