Professor Named Most Influential Optometrist

The University of Houston awarded Professor Brien Holden its honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The Australian professor has been at the forefront of vision correction research for more than four decades, has been called “the most influential optometrist of our generation. ” Holden’s research focus has been in the area of vision correction and ocular health, in particular with contact lenses, spectacles and surgery. He has been a driving force behind the development of a number of lens products--most notably, the third generation of soft contact lenses to correct astigmatism and the highly oxygen permeable silicone hydrogel lenses.

His humanitarian efforts have helped to create organizations that build sustainable eye care systems in developing communities, including the International Centre for Eyecare Education, where he serves as CEO, and Optometry Giving Sight, of which he is executive chair. Under his direction, the Brien Holden Vision Institute was a founding partner and continues to be a major contributor to these organizations.