Developed an experimental system of artificial vision for the blind that involved the transmission of electrical signals to electrodes implanted in the brain. Born in Pittsfield, Mass., and showed an early talent for invention. He applied for his first patent at 13 for artificial hip improvements that he developed with his father, Martin, an orthopedic surgeon. He entered Vanderbilt University at 14 and, in 1956, he built an X-ray machine. He completed his undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University, where he also earned a master's in biophysics. Later, he received his Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Utah and was director of the division of artificial organs at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Dobelle conducted much of the work on his artificial vision system in Europe at the Dobelle Institute, a center he founded in the 1980's that is now based in Lisbon. He is survived by his wife, Claire; a son, Martin; and two daughters, Molly and Mimi, all of Muttontown, N.Y.; and his brother, Evan, of Honolulu.
| Types | Person, Business Person, Academic |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of death | November 2004 |