BlindnessSenSubMRINCT07450677
Sensory Substitution and Brain Plasticity Following Vision Loss
A study testing Electrotactile display (BrainPort) and Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight) in people with Blindness, run by Stanford University at 2 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical investigation is to learn how the brain responds when visual information is converted into patterns of sound or touch in blind and sighted participants. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 85 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Blindness
- What is being tested?
- Electrotactile display (BrainPort) and Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2026to 31 Aug 2030
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 8 to 85 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 8-85 years old for blind individuals; or 18-85 years old for sighted controls.
- (a) Blind due to ocular impairment (documented visual acuity of light perception or worse) in both eyes, or (b) sighted healthy adult controls with corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and with no known vision disorders.
- Able to hear the Informed Consent Form being read out to him or her, to understand it, and sign the Informed Consent Form.
- Able to undergo functional neuroimaging tests.
- Able to walk and stand independently.
- Able to understand and remember the training protocols involved in the research study.
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- Willing and able to use the provided sensory substitution system to solve simple visual tasks.
- Willing and able to complete simple tactile or auditory tasks.
- Able to communicate by telephone and/or computer with research staff.
Who cannot join
- Prior use with the sensory substitution device under investigation. This applies to both the auditory and tactile stimulators.
- Presence of any foreign metal in the body, except for dental fillings (will need to be pre-screened by a radiologist prior to signing the informed consent and enrollment).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding by self-report or urine test.
- Is a prisoner or has any required movements legally restricted.
- Unwilling or unable to adhere to all study requirements, including completion of the training period and any evaluation tests.
- Implanted electrical medical devices such as pacemakers.
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- Claustrophobia that would prevent functional neuroimaging.
- Obesity preventing placement in the MRI scanner.
- No known neurological disorders or any medical condition that can possibly lead to emergency medical care (e.g., history of seizures, family history of epilepsy, stroke, severe headaches, use of medication for neurological or psychiatric conditions).
- Documented or suspected brain damage resulting in significant cognitive or sensory impairment (e.g., traumatic brain injury).
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States2 sites
Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, 94303
Study Team, (650) 497-0625, kevinchan@stanford.edu
Mariana Nunez, CCRP, (650) 497-7846, mnunez1@stanford.edu
LUCAS Center for Imaging
Stanford, California, 94305
Study Team, (650) 512-7836, lucascenter@stanford.edu
Karla Epperson, RT(MR)(ARMRIT), karlae@stanford.edu
About this study
Official title: Neurobehavioral Effects of Visual Assistive Technologies
The goal of this clinical investigation is to learn how the brain responds when visual information is converted into patterns of sound or touch in blind and sighted participants. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does converting visual information into sound or touch patterns change visual performance in the blind or blindfolded?
- How does the brain adapt to different kinds of sensory information?
Read more
Researchers will use brain imaging and simple performance tasks to see how people process and learn from this type of converted sensory input. The investigators will compare how individuals with and without long-term vision loss respond to these signals.
Participants will:
- Learn to use technologies to assist in visual information conversion into sound or touch patterns every day for 5 weeks;
- Visit the brain imaging center 3 times for brain scans and behavioral tests.
- Conditions
- Blindness
- Being tested
- Electrotactile display (BrainPort), Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight), Sham
- Keywords
- Blindness, Visual cortex, Sensory substitution, Assistive technology, Magnetic resonance imaging, Brain, Sound, Touch
- Medical subject headings
- Blindness
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Electrotactile display (BrainPort)Device
The BrainPort is a non-surgical assistive device that translates digital information from a video camera to gentle electrotactile stimulation patterns on the surface of the tongue.
Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight)Device
The AI Sight is an auditory technology software that can convert visual information into sound patterns, which can be delivered through regular headphones.
ShamDevice
Participants will wear the assistive technology system, but there will be no active sensory signals applied.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Vision-to-sound sensory substitution training | Experimental | Participants will learn to interpret the sound patterns that are converted from visual information while using the assistive technology. Receives: Device: Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight) |
| Vision-to-touch sensory substitution training | Experimental | Participants will learn to interpret the touch patterns that are converted from visual information while using the assistive technology. Receives: Device: Electrotactile display (BrainPort) |
| Sham training | Sham comparator | Participants will learn to interpret the sound/touch patterns verbally without presenting the sensory signals from the assistive technologies. Receives: Device: Sham |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Number of correct responses to visual performance tasks
Measuring the change in the number of correct responses to visual performance tasks from baseline to week 5.
Measured: 5 weeks
Reaction time to visual performance tasks
Measuring the change in reaction time to visual performance tasks from baseline to week 5.
Measured: 5 weeks
Metabolic brain profile
Measuring the change in neurometabolic markers by magnetic resonance spectroscopy from baseline to week 5.
Measured: 5 weeks
Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional brain activity level
Measuring the change in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent brain activity level by T2*-weighted functional magnetic resonance imaging from baseline to week 5.
Measured: 5 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Gray matter density
The change in gray matter density signals from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging through 5 weeks
Measured: 5 weeks
White matter directional diffusivity
The change in directional diffusivity in the white matter microstructures measured from advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging through 5 weeks
Measured: 5 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Aug 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for BlindnessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Stanford UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A parallel model will be used, in which participants are assigned to one of the two sensory substitution devices for the duration of the study.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Stanford University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Eye Institute (NEI)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kevin Chuen Wing Chan, Stanford University
- Investigators
- Kevin C. Chan, PhD, Principal investigator, Stanford University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07450677
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 80671
- Other IDs
- R01EY034897
- Acronym
- SenSubMRI
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No: No current plan to share data.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Neurobehavioral Effects of Visual Assistive Technologies
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07450677
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SenSubMRI / 80671
- Conditions
- Blindness
- Keywords
- Blindness, Visual cortex, Sensory substitution, Assistive technology, Magnetic resonance imaging, Brain, Sound, Touch
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Stanford UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Eye Institute (NEI)
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical investigation is to learn how the brain responds when visual information is converted into patterns of sound or touch in blind and sighted participants. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does converting visual information into sound or touch patterns change visual performance in the blind or blindfolded?
- How does the brain adapt to different kinds of sensory information?
Researchers will use brain imaging and simple performance tasks to see how people process and learn from this type of converted sensory input. The investigators will compare how individuals with and without long-term vision loss respond to these signals.
Participants will:
- Learn to use technologies to assist in visual information conversion into sound or touch patterns every day for 5 weeks;
- Visit the brain imaging center 3 times for brain scans and behavioral tests.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- A parallel model will be used, in which participants are assigned to one of the two sensory substitution devices for the duration of the study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Vision-to-sound sensory substitution training | Experimental | Device: Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight)Participants will learn to interpret the sound patterns that are converted from visual information while using the assistive technology. |
| Vision-to-touch sensory substitution training | Experimental | Device: Electrotactile display (BrainPort)Participants will learn to interpret the touch patterns that are converted from visual information while using the assistive technology. |
| Sham training | Sham comparator | Device: ShamParticipants will learn to interpret the sound/touch patterns verbally without presenting the sensory signals from the assistive technologies. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- 8-85 years old for blind individuals; or 18-85 years old for sighted controls.
- (a) Blind due to ocular impairment (documented visual acuity of light perception or worse) in both eyes, or (b) sighted healthy adult controls with corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and with no known vision disorders.
- Able to hear the Informed Consent Form being read out to him or her, to understand it, and sign the Informed Consent Form.
- Able to undergo functional neuroimaging tests.
- Able to walk and stand independently.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Prior use with the sensory substitution device under investigation. This applies to both the auditory and tactile stimulators.
- Presence of any foreign metal in the body, except for dental fillings (will need to be pre-screened by a radiologist prior to signing the informed consent and enrollment).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding by self-report or urine test.
- Is a prisoner or has any required movements legally restricted.
- Unwilling or unable to adhere to all study requirements, including completion of the training period and any evaluation tests.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Electrotactile display (BrainPort)The BrainPort is a non-surgical assistive device that translates digital information from a video camera to gentle electrotactile stimulation patterns on the surface of the tongue. | Device | Vision-to-touch sensory substitution training |
| Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight)The AI Sight is an auditory technology software that can convert visual information into sound patterns, which can be delivered through regular headphones. | Device | Vision-to-sound sensory substitution training |
| ShamParticipants will wear the assistive technology system, but there will be no active sensory signals applied. | Device | Sham training |
Primary outcome
Number of correct responses to visual performance tasks
Time frame: 5 weeks
Measuring the change in the number of correct responses to visual performance tasks from baseline to week 5.
Reaction time to visual performance tasks
Time frame: 5 weeks
Measuring the change in reaction time to visual performance tasks from baseline to week 5.
Metabolic brain profile
Time frame: 5 weeks
Measuring the change in neurometabolic markers by magnetic resonance spectroscopy from baseline to week 5.
Blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional brain activity level
Time frame: 5 weeks
Measuring the change in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent brain activity level by T2*-weighted functional magnetic resonance imaging from baseline to week 5.
2 secondary outcomes
Gray matter density
Time frame: 5 weeks
White matter directional diffusivity
Time frame: 5 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. No current plan to share data.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Kevin C. Chan, PhD principal investigator
Stanford University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Electrotactile display (BrainPort) and Vision-to-sound converter (AI Sight) in people with Blindness, run by Stanford University at 2 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Study Team (650-497-0625, kevinchan@stanford.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Number of correct responses to visual performance tasks (time frame: 5 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Mar 2026.