STAT+: ‘Cochlear implant for blindness’ debuts in Europe, could launch in U.S. in 2027

STAT PlusHealth tech ‘Cochlear implant for blindness’ debuts in Europe, could launch in U.S. in 2027 Startup unveils retinal implant for people with partial vision loss from macular degeneration Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By O. Rose BroderickJuly 22, 2026 Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow O. Rose Broderick[email protected]Rose covers disability and mental health, and she helps write STAT’s daily Morning Rounds newsletter. Confidential tips can be sent to Rose on Signal at rosebroderick.11. Europeans can now receive a device that can partially restore their vision loss. Americans may not have to wait long to get it, either. Science Corporation announced Wednesday that European regulators had approved the commercial sale of the startup’s retinal implant that improves eyesight for patients with age-related macular degeneration in their central vision, enough to read books and road signs more clearly. Advertisement “We have a cochlear implant for vision now,” said Science founder and CEO Max Hodak. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In disability, health tech, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints O. Rose Broderick Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow Rose covers disability and mental health, and she helps write STAT’s daily Morning Rounds newsletter. Confidential tips can be sent to Rose on Signal at rosebroderick.11. Newsletter Tech is transforming health care and life sciences. Our original reporting is here to keep you ahead of the curve. Recommended Insurance July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: More workers hate their jobs, but keep them for the health insurance D.C. Diagnosis July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Rare disease drugmakers try to avoid Trump price cuts Advertisement The Readout July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Anthropic deepens work with rare disease drugs Pharma July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Makers of rare disease drugs seek exemption from Trump’s price-cut pilots Health Care Inc. Newsletter July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: The next step of site-neutral, and a fiery PBM hearing Subscriber Picks