After two unsuccessful corneal transplants, he underwent a pioneering stem cell operation that restored his vision.

CNN: Sight saved by stem cell surgery

In modern times, there have been cases of vision restored thanks to corneal transplants and cataract surgery.

FORBES: Embryonic stem cells: can we make the blind see?

Emma has her vision restored in an operation, and is immediately rewarded with the sight of a murder suspect.

NEWYORKER: Blink

Of the nine patients included in the trial, 8 out of the 9 were able to perceive light, and 7 out of 9 were able to definitely find the source of that light. 6 out of 9 had a significant portion of their vision restored, with some patients able to read letters out of books and also distinguish facial features.

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

Scientists are also unsure about the quality of vision that could be restored from stimulating nerve cells alone, as, in normal circumstances, there is a sigificant amount of visual processing that occurs between the photoreceptors and the nerve cells.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Spinach may hold blindness cure

Leaning on the arm of her escort, she implores the vision technician to get her sight restored so she won't burden her family.

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