Rudd adds $10m muscle to 2020 Summit pet bionic-eye projects

KEVIN Rudd's favoured project from the 2020 Summit -- an Australian-made bionic eye -- has received a $10 million boost.

KEVIN Rudd's favoured project from the 2020 Summit -- an Australian-made bionic eye -- has received a $10 million boost to allow researchers to keep working on their concepts for another year.

The Prime Minister was so determined to replicate the Australian innovation shown in the development of a cochlear implant that he insisted health experts make the bionic eye a priority.

Two Australian research groups have already received $50m in taxpayer funding and were yesterday granted an extension, with Bionic Vision Australia, led by the University of Melbourne, to receive $8m and Monash Vision Group, led by Monash University, to receive $1.9m.

"This research could lead to one of the most important medical breakthroughs in history," Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister Kim Carr said.

"The extended funding will help these world-class researchers come a step closer to giving, and restoring, sight to many thousands of people around the world."

While overseas projects have progressed further, Senator Carr said an independent review this year found that BVA and MVG had made exceptional advances.

BVA has performed its first human implantation of an early prototype bionic eye while MVG recently unveiled its design, with trials to commence next year.

BVA chairman David Penington said yesterday the group was "delighted" to be able to move to the next stage of the project, which would involve further patient tests to develop the Wide-View and High-Acuity devices.

MVG chairman David de Kretser also welcomed the additional funding. "There has been great progress and the continued funding will facilitate progression to a completed product that has significant commercial prospects," Professor de Kretser said.