Mivision is saddened to learn of the death of Micheal Knipe AM.
Mr Knipe, was a principal optometrist at Total Eyecare in Tasmania, a former national President of Optometry Australia, and a former President of Optometry Tasmania. He was a director of the national organisation ProVision Eyecare for 20 years, 15 of those as its chairman.
Mr Knipe was a member of the national committee of the charity Optometry Giving Sight and was active in the East Timor Eye Program (ETEP), regularly visiting East Timor and providing administrative support. In 2015 he was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia for his lifetime commitment to optometry in Australia and overseas. He described the recognition as “unexpected and humbling”.
Mr Knipe spoke about his work in East Timor and the joy he derived from volunteering, which he said had “become a way of life
During an interview with mivision, Mr Knipe spoke about his work in East Timor and the joy he derived from volunteering, which he said had “become a way of life”.1
“Volunteering wasn’t and isn’t a conscious thing. I was asked and, at the time, I could contribute so I thought why wouldn’t I? After a while it developed a life of its own and my involvement has just continued.
“The saying that you get more than you give is very true – I feel I have certainly gained more than I have given… To be blunt it feels good to help, people are often generous and kind to you and the recipients of my help are often very grateful.
“I get enormous satisfaction in seeing those I’ve helped develop and succeed. I get a buzz from seeing something that was only an idea come to fruition and actually work… Along the way I’ve met some great people and developed some deep friendships. Priceless! So I give my part-time attention and provide my experience and knowledge and I get all those things in return… This is all about what you value.
Reference: https://mivision.com.au/2015/03/an-exceptional-optometrist-honoured-micheal-knipe-am/
