VISION EXCELLENCE FOR ALL
Corporate Profile: Institute of Eye Research - Founding Global Patron
On Christmas Eve in 1974, Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin, capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia. The shock of the devastation inspired two optometrists, Brian Layland and Brien Holden. In the aftermath, the two made the trek to the levelled city to restore vision to those who lost everything, including their ability to see.
They went on to become founders of the Institute for Eye Research (the Institute) in Australia and leaders in the field. In 2004, the Institute’s success made financial support of Optometry Giving Sight possible. The Institute is currently providing cash and in-kind sponsorship valued at just under US$1 million per annum.
Yvette Waddell, spokesperson for the Institute, says their goal is to achieve vision excellence for all people. “It’s a simple philosophy. Whether we are collaborating with industry partners like CIBA Vision, developing better, more wearable, contact lenses with our research partners or funding projects in the field through Optometry Giving Sight – it’s the same clear focus”.
“Through our involvement with Optometry Giving Sight we’ve seen how capable the profession is of funding sustainable eye care projects in the field – we’ve seen the success in Africa”, she said.
“We’re always happy to get involved where the solution is in sight – we’ve got a good track record for supporting researchers and finding solutions. We think Optometry Giving Sight is doing that too - finding projects that deliver the right solution and supporting the sustainability of the service. We’re very proud of our involvement with Optometry Giving Sight.” www.ier.org.au
