Holden exits as chair of Optometry Giving Sight, receives award

SEATTLE – Brien A. Holden, PhD, DSc, LOSc, stepped down as chair of Optometry Giving Sight and was honored with the organization’s Humanitarian Award for his service, here at a dinner held during the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

Holden established Optometry Giving Sight 10 years ago to spearhead global efforts to help eliminate avoidable blindness and impaired vision and reduce the disability, poverty and lack of opportunity associated with vision loss, according to an Optometry Giving Sight press release.

“I have enjoyed seeing the dedication of the excellent people that work for the organization and the wonderful response of the eye health community around the world,” Holden said in the release. “Colleagues in the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and World Council of Optometry have been extremely supportive.”

Holden will remain on the Optometry Giving Sight board, and Juan Carlos Aragon, OD, will succeed him as chair.

Holden said in the release that Aragon “has an outstanding track record in mobilizing support for education projects related to optometry and contact lenses, is well respected in the profession and industry, and has helped mobilize significant support personally and professionally for Optometry Giving Sight.”

Aragon is currently chair of Optometry Giving Sight’s Global Development Board and senior vice president, global professional and clinical affairs, for CooperVision.

“Optometry Giving Sight has grown considerably over recent years and now funds sustainable eye and vision care projects in more than 40 countries,” Aragon said in the release.

He credits Holden with the impact of the profession and industry in global efforts to give sight and hope to those in need through Optometry Giving Sight.

The organization has provided funds to more than 67 projects in 38 countries, according to the release.

For more information, call (888) OGS-GIVE or go to www.givingsight.org.