Australian export case study
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has turned to a small Adelaide-based biotech company to help injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are suffering neurological vision impairment.
The company, Neuro Vision Technology Pty Ltd (NVT), has produced a unique scanning device which runs on a dedicated laptop to detect and diagnose neurological vision loss.
Two major Department of Veterans Affairs’ facilities in the United States are now using this equipment, with more likely to purchase the technology in the next twelve months.
 Managing Director Gayle Clarke said that Neuro Vision’s technology draws upon the expertise of vision therapists who have worked in the field of neurological vision impairment for over twenty years.
Unique
“The Neuro Vision product is unique,” she said. “No other biotech company has a product that is the same as ours.
“It’s simple, but it works.”
She explained that during the assessment process the scanning device is used to determine the extent of visual field loss.
“We can demonstrate to the patient and their carers the exact nature and extent of any vision impairment.
“We then use the equipment as the basis of a training program to teach the patient how to compensate for the lost visual field by utilizing the intact areas of their vision,” Ms Clarke said.
“The aim is to maximise the use of a patient’s remaining vision so that they can move safely around their day-to-day environment and become as independent as possible.”
Exporting to the US
Neuro Vision Technology first looked at exporting these unique products some years ago.
“We initially exported to the UK in 2005 but we were always interested in exporting to the United States,” Ms Clarke said.
“We knew, however, that it would not be straightforward and that we could do with some help.”
So Gayle Clarke approached TradeStart in Adelaide.
“Rob Bridge, who is a TradeStart export adviser for the Adelaide, Mid-North and Southern regions of South Australia, gave us a great deal of assistance.
“He worked with us to prepare for both the UK and US markets and as an intermediary with Austrade posts offshore. And he helped us with an Export Market Development Grant scheme application, which has been very beneficial.”
Impressed by the advice
“Selling to Government export advisers, Dan Sullivan and Paul Adler, were excellent. We were very impressed by the advice and service we received from them.
“They organised and attended meetings with us at the Department of Defence and Veteran’s Affairs, along with many other meetings, and this gave us so much more credibility than if we had been on our own.”
Ms Clarke said that the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) had also helped.
“Before the Free Trade Agreement came into effect we had been talking to government departments in the United States but there were all sorts of restrictions because we were not a US company.
“The FTA allowed us to do direct sales into government agencies,” Ms Clarke said.
“This is a situation where everyone wins. We are able to grow our business through exporting and our products can assist those who need help, wherever they might be.”
Company Information
Gayle Clarke, Managing Director
Neuro Vision Technology Pty Ltd
Post Office Box 141
Torrensville SA 5031
Tel: +61 8 8341 5434
Fax: +61 8 8341 5487
Mob: 0419 283 754
Email: gayle.clarke@neurovisiontech.com.au
Website: www.neurovisiontech.com.au
January/February 2008
www.austrade.gov.au/mediacentre
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