Eye Opening Emerging Technologies: Gene Therapy, Stem Cells and The Bionic Eye The past decade has seen a proliferation in the number of technologies being developed to prevent blindness, or to assist people who have already lost their sight. As these technologies move from preclinical study to clinical application, it is essential that the next generation of optometrists are aware of the options that will be available for their patients. This talk will discuss commercially available treatments, sush as gene therapy and the bionic eye, as well as future possibilities, like gene editing and advanced stem cell products.