JIM STINGL

Photos: Blind the past 25 years, Wauwatosa man fitted with bionic eye

Phil DiMeo of Wauwatosa can "see" basic shapes and movement with the help of an implant behind his retina and special glasses.
Phil DiMeo of Wauwatosa can "see" basic shapes and movement with the help of an implant behind his retina and special glasses.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Phil DiMeo adjusts the sensitivity of his implant depending on the light situations he faces.
Phil DiMeo adjusts the sensitivity of his implant depending on the light situations he faces.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Phil DiMeo shows where an implant was put behind his retina.
Phil DiMeo shows where an implant was put behind his retina.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Phil DiMeo uses a board with contrasting lines and letters to train his brain to follow differences in shape.
Phil DiMeo uses a board with contrasting lines and letters to train his brain to follow differences in shape.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Phil DiMeo moves his hand where a camera picks up the contrast and movement.
Phil DiMeo moves his hand where a camera picks up the contrast and movement.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Argus II device has a control box that allow him to adjust for light, contrast and focus.
The Argus II device has a control box that allow him to adjust for light, contrast and focus.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A few years ago Phil DiMeo wrote a book about how he hid his progressive blindness from everyone. He now is using a new device, the Argus II implant, that will simulate sight or at least shapes and contrast.
A few years ago Phil DiMeo wrote a book about how he hid his progressive blindness from everyone. He now is using a new device, the Argus II implant, that will simulate sight or at least shapes and contrast.
Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel