The Albanese Government is helping the global fight against blindness by funding the creation of a manufacturing facility for artificial corneas.
The University of Sydney will receive $35 million through the Medical Research Future Fund to establish a manufacturing facility that can produce, store and ship bioengineered corneas across Australia and the world.
More than 2,000 Australians need a corneal tissue transplant to restore their vision. Corneal disease is the third most common form of blindness, but for every 70 patients that need a transplant around the world, just one donor cornea is available.
This next generation technology aims to make artificial corneas accessible to all.
The funding is part of $700 million over 10 years the Government has allocated to ensure Australia remains a world leader in medical research.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“I’m very pleased to announce $35 million in funding to create a new facility to help fight blindness in Australians.
“More than 2000 Australians every year require a corneal tissue transplant to restore their sight.
“This facility is a major step forward to ensuring there is help available for those who need it.
“These revolutionary treatments prove once again that Australian medical researchers are among the best in the world.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Gerard Sutton:
“We’re very grateful for the funding to create a next-generation facility that will help people worldwide who suffer from poor vision and blindness.
“Corneal bioengineering is an exciting new technology and this facility lets us be at the forefront of global development.”
