BHVI

Professor Brian Layland, BSc (Opt. Sc.) OAM (Chair)

Brian Layland graduated with an ASTC in Optometry in 1953 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree (OptSc) in 1958. He served as an optometrist in his own practice for 45 years until taking up his current position as Director of Aboriginal Programmes for the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE).

Brian has made a major contribution to the development of the optometry profession in Australia. He was heavily involved in the acceptance of optometric services into Medicare and Veterans’ Affairs, as well as the establishment and development of VisionCare NSW which has distributed more than 1.3 million pairs of spectacles to those in need throughout NSW.

Professor Layland was also involved in the establishment of the Optometric Vision Research Foundation and other organisations dedicated to eye care research, education and service delivery. He has given more than 50 years of service on national and state optometric associations in various capacities, as well as acting as a member and chairman of many professional committees involved with state and federal governments.

In the area of education, Brian is a Visiting Professor at the Vision CRC. He has been a Visiting Lecturer at the University of NSW from 1971, where he has also been an Advisory Committee member since 1957.

Most recently, Brian has made a considerable contribution to enhancing eye care for Indigenous Australians through his role at ICEE, including the historic establishment of the Aboriginal Health College in Little Bay, Sydney.

In 1979, Brian Layland received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the profession of optometry. In 1992 he received the International Optometrist of the Year award from the World Council of Optometry, the Wilfred I. Wenborn award for conspicuous service in the advancement of the profession of optometry and in 1996, the prestigious Josef Lederer award for excellence in optometry.