Artificial vision and optical sensing technology can be adapted from military and medical communities.

CNN: Make guns smart

So there are a lot of researchers working to restore vision in these patients by developing an artificial implant that can take the place of those lost cells.

FORBES: Second Test Of Retinal Implant Shows Restored Vision To The Blind

She also said there would be no "artificial limits" on the role of the private sector in this new vision for the health service.

BBC: NEWS | Health | NHS hospital structure 'outdated'

Doctors have implanted artificial retinas into the eyes of three patients who had lost almost all of their vision.

BBC: Doctors fight blindness with eye implant