Last Updated: 'Milestone': Scientists Partially Restore Blind Man's Vision With ’gene Therapy’ “It’s a big step for the field," neurobiologist Flannery said. "Most important thing is that it is safe and permanent," he added about blind man's vision. IMAGE: NATURE JOURNAL In a first, scientists in Europe and the US have been able to partially restore the eyesight for a blind man who suffered photoreceptor disease nearly 40 years ago. Employing the technique known as optogenetics, which involves altering cells such that they manufacture the light-sensitive proteins, scientists were able to get the vision back for the 58-year old patient. Now, he can recognize people, do the counting, locate and touch different objects.