Joint release with the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing

The Rudd Government today announced funding of $50.7 million over four years for the development of the bionic eye in Australia.

Funding will be administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC), which will establish a grants program to support research in bionic vision science and technology aimed at developing a retinal prosthesis – commonly known as the bionic eye.

The Prime Minister’s 2020 Summit identified the bionic eye as a significant opportunity to improve the quality of life for the vision-impaired.

This investment will help Australia stay at the forefront of bionic research and commercialisation.

Other significant benefits will flow from further research into medical devices and the mechanical and software systems used to control them.

The ARC will involve national and international experts in the selection of grants to be awarded to the team or teams best placed to develop a functional bionic eye in Australia in the long term.

We expect the teams will include quality researchers and experts in development and commercialisation of medical devices.

The experience and success the ARC has in developing, implementing and evaluating competitive grants processes is extensive and puts it in a good position to deliver on this important Australian Government commitment.

Media contact:     Patrick Pantano, Minister Carr's Office, 0417 181 936
                            Sheena Ireland, ARC, 0412 623 056