The present invention provides an optical device for a visually-impaired individual and a method of operating such a device. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a spaced array of discrete light sources and a support arranged to maintain the array in proximate relation to at least one eye of the visually-impaired individual. An image capture device is configured to capture images of at least part of the individual s immediate environment, wherein the array is configured to convey information to the individual by selectively illuminating one or more of the discrete light sources based on the content of the captured images. In this way, information relating to objects and/or textual language in the individuals environment can be conveyed to the individual by predetermined patterns of illumination (e.g. spatial and/or temporal). The apparatus and method are found to be particularly suited for visually-impaired individuals who retain at least some residual light and/or colour discrimination.
