Researcher Mandy Li displays a prototype

Researcher Mandy Li displays a prototype bionic eye designed to help 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 consists of a tiny video camera attached to the middle of a pair of dark sunglasses that researchers developed to improve the sight of people suffering degenerative vision. The camera captures images, which are then 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)