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Saturday, January 12, 2013

Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration

Connecticut Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration

The first telescope implant is now becoming available in Connecticut as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for patients suffering from advanced Macular Degeneration. Charlie Collins, founder of Vision Dynamics is partnering with Dr. Randolph Kinkade, an optometrist and founding member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, is part of the newly forming CentraSight Treatment Program in Connecticut.


Implant Miniature Telescope

The Implanted Miniature Telescope (IMT) is an FDA-approved medical device for enhancing vision and improving quality of life. As a legally blind man with Macular Degeneration, these advancements really excite me!


An implant telescope balanced on a finger


The IMT is not a cure for macular degeneration. It will not return vision to 20/20, but it will improve quality of life. It will improve the quality of life by 3 times. How?  It magnifies your world bringing objects, people, and printed materials 3 times closer!


The telescope allows smaller detailed objects to be more visible. Telescopes minify the blind spot (scotoma) created in macular degeneration. It does this by reducing the size of the blind spot relative to the new magnified image.

A face as seen by an individual with macular degeneration.


Dr. Kinkade assesses patients with a special external simulation telescope to help determine if they are candidates for the implanted device, which can be assessed right here at Vision Dynamics

Patient viewing through an External Telescopic Simulator (ETS). 

The implanted telescopic eye is used for central vision. In conjunction with regular eye glasses, this eye will have improved distance and near vision. Recognizing faces and watching television should become easier. Reading and playing cards may be possible.



The implanted telescope does restrict the peripheral vision in the eye. The other eye helps compensate for the loss in side vision. New scanning eye movements become necessary.



Even if a patient is not a candidate for the implantable telescope they very well may be a candidate for miniature telescopes mounted into a pair of glasses. Spectacle Minature Telescopes (SMTs) have been shown to improve vision and improve quality of life for patients with all stages of macular degeneration.



Muriel Smith enjoying reading on her video magnifier
Dr. Randolph Kinkade with William Baiocchi wearing a pair of

Bioptic Spectacle Miniature Telescopes for macular degeneration.


Patients must meet certain age, vision, corneal health and anterior chamber depth measurements to be eligible for the implant. Patients cannot drive with the implant.



Call Vision Dynamics at (203)-271-1944 to see if you or someone you know may be a candidate for the Implanted Miniature or Spectacle Miniature Telescope. We have offices throughout Connecticut as well.


Inplantable Telescope in the Eye