Researchers and clinicians working on the bionic eye at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) have received a major funding boost thanks to a significant $1.2 million grant from the National Medical and Research Council (NHMRC).
The project will now move outside the lab and into the lives of patients with the aim of using the bionic eye to restore vision to patients who have become blind as the result of eye disease, particularly retinitis pigmentosa.
The funding, announced last week, will enable a select group of patients to take the bionic eye home for the first time and report back on what they see.
Lead researcher, Dr Penny Allen, said road testing the bionic eye in the home environment will put it to practical use and kick off an exciting new research phase.
“The NHMRC grant will allow us to test a fully-implantable device, which will include a patient-worn vision processor for use at home,” Dr Allen said.
Director of Bionic Vision Australia, Professor Anthony Burkitt, said the funding is a significant investment in one of the most important research projects in Australia.
“I am delighted the NHMRC has decided to fund the further safety and efficacy testing of the bionic eye in patients over the next three years,” Professor Burkitt said.