Lions Outback Vision has been announced the winner of the Western Australian Government’s Pilbara healthcare initiative, The Challenge.
The group took the $5 million top prize with Australia’s first mobile retinal camera with fully integrated artificial intelligence, which screens for eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
The technology helps diagnose sight-threatening disease on-the-spot, providing crucial early detection for people in remote areas.
It was judged the top entry from 93 applicants and 10 finalists.
Lions Outback Vision founder and ophthalmologist, Professor Angus Turner, said: “We are honoured to be awarded this prize by the Western Australian Government and its key funding partners, Rio Tinto and BHP.
“It’s an amazing acknowledgement of all the hard work of our team and the collaborations we have on the ground in the Pilbara.”
He said the achievement not only highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration but also promised to transform eye care for communities in the region.
Medical Research Minister Mr Stephen Dawson said: “Lions Outback Vision’s solution stood out for its immediate impact on the local community. I am excited to see how it will further transform healthcare delivery across Western Australia and beyond.”
Mr Simon Trott, Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Our partnerships with health initiatives like The Challenge help ensure great ideas are developed to support better health outcomes for Western Australians.”
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