Spectacles

Professor Kay said he eventually found the answer in a pair of spectacles, looking much like sunglasses, but which incorporated a transmitter and receiver on each side, passing separate signals to each ear.

By this stereophonic effect positions of objects could be noted from the varying frequencies of the signal to each ear. The brain could project the sounds in space to simulate vision by focusing the blind person's attention always on the field of vision ahead of him—virtually by making him use his eyes.

Professor Kay quoted a blind man who used the glasses after more than a year with the torch; his reactions: "Surely this must be like seeing!"

Professor Kay said even those still using the torches had no interest in seeing dogs or canes.

The torches are now in production, but the glasses are not yet available for general use, he added.

He noted that such research could be undertaken at a minimal cost if the researcher found pleasure in his work. He contrasted his expense of £750 with the American bill of £100,000 for fewer results.