HEREFORD’S Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is hoping that a revolutionary piece of technology might improve sight for people who have a devastating eye condition.

It was reported that Miikka Terho was able to read letters, tell the time and identify a cup and saucer after surgeons fitted him with an electronic chip to restore his vision, despite being completely blind after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

The hereditary disease causes light-sensitive cells in the eye steadily and irreversibly to die off.

Mr Terho, aged 46 and from Finland, started to lose night vision when he was 16 and was severely blind in both eyes by 35.

But the fact that he can now focus on things following the trial has excited experts.

“Any developments that paves the way for the treatment of eye conditions like RP are welcomed by everyone at RNC,” said public relations manager Jo Powell.

“While there are hundreds of eye conditions that cause visual impairment, this new treatment appears to be a very positive step forward for people affected by RP and this includes a number of students at the college.

“We look forward to the successful progression of this particular trial and to many other developments that could in future reduce or reverse visual impairment.”