[vvvv]

There have been several such operations, e.g. http://www.livescience.com/49991-bionic-eye-implanted-man.ht...

"A bionic eye implant is now allowing a blind man to see the outlines of his wife after 10 years in darkness.

"The implant, called a retinal prosthesis, consists of a small electronic chip that is placed at the back of the eye to send visual signals directly into the optic nerve. This bypasses the damaged cells in the man's retina.

"The bionic eye doesn't have enough electrodes to recreate the details of human faces, but for the first time since he lost his vision, the man can make out the outlines of people and things, and walk without a cane."

[eggy]

I meant a specific reference from the 1980s. I know of the new research. I had found an article with photos and details on the surgical procedure. Thanks anyway.