VIDEO: Successful performance of Argus II paves way for expanded availability, reimbursement

NICE, France — Availability of the Argus II retinal prosthesis system from Second Sight has been rapidly expanding since the first commercial implantation in 2011 by Stanislao Rizzo, MD, in Italy. The implant is currently approved and commercially available in Europe and the U.S., and reimbursement policies have been implemented in several countries.“Within and after clinical trials, we have treated almost 150 patients,” Will McGuire, CEO of Second Sight, said at the Euretina meeting. “One thing that paves our way is reimbursement. We are making progress. Limited reimbursement has been granted in France, Italy, Germany and U.S., and we are continuing to make efforts in this direction.”