A Melbourne consortium has unveiled its prototype for a bionic eye.
The prototype was unveiled by Bionic Vision Australia, and aims to improve the sight of people suffering age-related macular degeneration, as well as retinitis pigmentosa.
The technology will allow them to recognise faces, read large print and see small objects, a statement said.
Last year, the government awarded $42 million to Bionic Vision Australia to develop the bionic eye.
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The group comprises the Bionic Ear Institute, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales and National Information and Communications Technology Australia.
BVA chairman Professor David Penington, research director Professor Anthony Burkitt and Leighton Boyd, a sufferer of retinitis pigmentosa and president of Retina Australia (Victoria) will attend the launch.
Researchers hope to achieve an Australian first to implant the prototype into Australia's first bionic eye recipient.
