FDA's role in expediting innovation of bioelectronic implants for vision restoration.

Abstract

Bioelectronic implants for vision restoration are medical devices regulated in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This paper provides an overview of regulatory pathways and related FDA programs for bioelectronic implants for vision restoration, and identifies some of the gaps in the regulatory science of these devices. The FDA recognizes that additional discussion regarding development in this space is needed to further develop bioelectronic implants and ensure that safe and effective technologies are made available to patients with profound vision loss. FDA regularly participates in the Eye and the Chip World Research Congress meetings and continues to engage with important external stakeholders, including through public workshops such as the recent co-sponsored Expediting Innovation of Bioelectronic Implants for Vision Restoration. By participating in forums for discussion of these devices with all stakeholders, especially patients, FDA seeks to encourage advancement of these devices.