Professor Dr Jose Alain Sahel

Research Priorities: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration, pharmacological treatments, stem cell therapy and implants, retinal prostheses
José-Alain Sahel is a French ophthalmologist and clinician scientist. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration. He develops new treatment approaches for retinal diseases that were previously untreatable, such as vascular eye diseases. He is considered a pioneer in the area of retinal prostheses.
A retinal degeneration occurs when the light-sensitive cells of the retina gradually die. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually leads to severe vision impairment, while inherited diseases such as Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can lead to blindness. Retinal degeneration cannot be cured. José-Alain Sahel and his team have developed a high-tech implant, a retinal prosthesis, with which he made it possible for blind patients to see initial light-dark images again. Electrodes are placed on the surface of the retina, and goggles fitted with an integrated camera transmit the image information to the electrodes. The information is then processed by a software and the signals are forwarded to the brain via the optical nerve, where they are converted into black and white images. However, patients need training to interpret these perceptions. The neuronal connections have to be reactivated. With time, however, patients should be able to recognise objects again.
José-Alain Sahel is working on the implant’s further development. He would like to place it under the retina and equip it with several thousand electrodes. Patients should be able to recognise more due to the higher image resolution. In order to drive his research forward, he co-founded a research centre. He simulates everyday situations in a “Street Lab” so as to realistically record the impacts of eye conditions. He develops new concepts of basic research and transfers these into a clinical perspective. In experimental studies José-Alain Sahel also uses gene therapies for cases of significant retinal degeneration. The objective of his research is the development of innovative therapies to give blind patients some of their independence back.