Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ins

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd inspects a prototype bionic eye which will deliver improved quality of life for patients suffering from degenerative vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, at its launch at the University of Melbourne, on March 30, 2010. The prototype is a tiny video camera attached to the middle of a pair of dark sunglasses, which researchers developed to improve the sight of people suffering degenerative vision. The camera captures images, which are wirelessly sent to an implant attached to a patient's retina. Electrodes on the retina are then simulated, creating vision. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)