Scientist. Humanitarian. Luminary of Eyecare.
Professor Brien Holden passes away on 28th July 2015
Professor Brien Holden was one of the most influential optometrist of this generation. He spent his entire career inspiring scientists and health care professionals around the world towards his dream of “vision for everyone, everywhere”. CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute, a Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW Australia, Brien Holden breathed his last in Sydney on 28th July, 2015.
His contributions extended across research, education, public health and social enterprise. One of his notable contributions was creating a new generation of 
soft lenses to correct astigmatism and co-developing the breakthrough invention of silicone hydrogel lenses that solved the problem of supplying high enough levels of oxygen to the cornea, thus overcoming the problem of hypoxia. He has been a proud recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorates from various universities.
Deputy CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute, Professor Kovin Naidoo said that Prof Brien was a man of extraordinary vision who devoted himself to the service of mankind. He further added that this is a very sad day in the history of the organisation for it lost its intellectual giant and a powerhouse driving force who globally strived towards the betterment of eye health and vision.
Professor Brian Layland, Chair of the Brien Holden Vision Institute board and a life-long friend was also deeply saddened by this news and reminisced his times with his dear friend. He said that Brien’s efforts and achievements were such that was recognised, applauded and adopted worldwide, and all that who worked with him will surely have fond memories that we all will miss.
The VisionPlus team expresses its deepest condolences and mourns the loss of a pioneering visionary of the eyecare industry in Prof. Brien Holden.
