We’re thrilled to share that Lions Outback Vision has been awarded the $5 million prize in the Western Australian Government’s Pilbara healthcare initiative, ‘The Challenge’. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the power of innovation and collaboration but also promises to transform eye care for communities in the Pilbara region!
A groundbreaking solution
After a year of hard work, brainstorming, and collaboration, Lions Outback Vision emerged as the standout innovator from a competitive pool of 93 applicants and 10 finalists. Our revolutionary solution is Australia’s first mobile retinal camera with fully integrated artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge technology screens for eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy with sight-threatening disease diagnosed on-the-spot, providing crucial detection for ensuring early access to treatment in remote areas. . 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”.
We extend our deepest thanks to all our incredible partners who have helped make this artificial intelligence (AI) leap into real-world practice possible. WACHS, Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, Diabetes WA, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), Karratha Central Healthcare, Nintirri and Panaceum.
Thanks also to our funding partners, the Future Health Research Innovation Fund, The McCusker Charitable Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation for their unwavering support.
We’re proud to collaborate with our research partners Aravind, The University of Western Australia, UCL, Google and The University of Oxford, alongside our technology partners Optomed and Topcon. Together we are driving change!
Transforming lives in the Pilbara
The deployment of this mobile retinal camera across the Pilbara has already begun to make a significant impact. By improving access to eye screening, we’re ensuring that residents don’t have to travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment. This innovation is a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the region.
Support and recognition
We also want to extend our congratulations to the Lyfe Languages project, which received an honourable mention for addressing language and cultural barriers between patients and healthcare providers.
The funding for this transformative project comes from the State Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, alongside the generous support of corporate partners BHP and Rio Tinto.
Words of celebration
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson remarked on the importance of this achievement, stating, “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.”
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.”
Tim Day, BHP Asset President, added, “Seeing these remarkable innovations emerge has been nothing short of inspiring. Well done to all finalists and a big congratulations to our winner!”
Looking ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to advancing healthcare through innovation. The future of eye care in the Pilbara is brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see the continued impact of this incredible technology.
To view The Challenge finalist video
