Indigenous-led health provider Angel Eyecare has won a half-million dollar grant to deliver eye care to remote First Nation communities, using next-generation chip-based imaging technology.
The AU$499,483 government grant has been awarded under the Critical Technologies Challenge Program: Round 2 – Stage 1 to Angel Eyecare to lead Project GINAN.
Other partners in the project are the CSIRO, Siloton, and the Lions Eye Institute.
Angel Eyecare founder, Gundungurra man Shane Brookman, said the shared mission is to transform bulky and expensive eye imaging machines into compact, chip-based retinal imaging devices that are portable, affordable, and capable of detecting sight-threatening diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
“It is a deep and sacred honour – for me, my family, and my ancestors – to lead this work,” Mr Brookman said.
This project isn’t just about technology. It’s about equity, access, and restoring dignity. With Project GINAN, we’re removing the barriers to care and delivering world-class imaging to every corner of Australia
“Everyone deserves the gift of sight – no matter where they live. This project isn’t just about technology. It’s about equity, access, and restoring dignity. With Project GINAN, we’re removing the barriers to care and delivering world-class imaging to every corner of Australia.”
Designed in partnership with Indigenous communities, the handheld devices will be tested in real-world conditions, ensuring they are not only medically effective but also culturally safe and appropriate for remote use.
“As a clinician, I’ve seen the heartbreak of preventable blindness in remote communities. As an Australian, I believe we can do better,” said Mr Brookman.
“This grant allows us to turn cutting-edge research into practical tools and lead the world in health equity through innovation. That’s what GINAN stands for: collaboration, hope, and unity.”
Pilot testing and co-design phases will begin this year.
Project GINAN is named after a single, orange-hued star in the Southern Cross. Angel Eyecare said the star is described by the Wardaman people of the Northern Territory as “a small dilly bag filled with songs of knowledge”.
“GINAN represents a sacred right… to see the stars and draw strength from their stories. Project GINAN honours this legacy by restoring vision, reclaiming cultural connection, and lighting the way forward.”
