Leading Australian researcher, educator and blindness prevention advocate, Professor Brien Holden, CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Montreal under the recommendation of the School of Optometry (École d’optométrie, Université de Montréal, EOUM).
The honorary doctorate was presented to Professor Holden during the EOUM centenary year celebrations by Dr Guy Breton, Rector of the University of Montreal.
Dr Langis Michaud, Associate Professor and Chair of the Contact Lens Department at EOUM nominated Professor Holden for the award in recognition of his visionary influence in blindness prevention, his scientific and research contributions and for raising the standard of vision care in developing communities around the world.
Dr Michaud described Professor Holden as “our optometric idol” , adding: “The involvement, the great dedication and care Professor Holden has shown for others should inspire us all as health professionals but also as human beings. After a career dedicated to making people to see better, he now helps us to better see people through the eyes of hope,” he said.
Over his exceptional career Professor Holden has been awarded six honorary doctorates and an honorary fellowship; five international awards; five international medals, including the Medal of the Order of Australia; and he has been inducted into the USA National Optometry Hall of Fame.
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