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Professor Brien Holden of the University of NSW was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Ohio State University, Columbus last month in recognition of his work in attempting to eliminate avoidable blindness throughout the world.

Professor Holden, who gave a keynote address at the University last month, is only the second optometrist to receive the university's accolade, the other being astronaut Lawrence DeLucas, a crew member of the Columbia space shuttle.

Globally some 300 million people are blind or vision impaired through lack of access to an eye examination and a pair of spectacles. Professor Holden has assisted in the creation of organisations helping people in under-served communities regain their sight and is executive chair and CEO of the International Centre for Eyecare Education and Optometry Giving Sight. Under his direction the Institute for Eye Research was a founding partner and is a major contributor to these organisations.

Dean of the College of Optometry at Ohio State University Professor Melvin Shipp said: 'Dr Holden has not only made seminal contributions to eye and vision research, but has also been a leader in optometry's involvement in contemporary global public health issues.'

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