Yvette Waddell, CEO, BHVI and Amanda Davis, Interim CEO, BHVI Foundation

Australia’s Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) has announced a change in leadership and a shift in focus to address future needs for both the ophthalmic industry and the public health sector.

The Board of the Institute announced a two-pronged approach to the development of the group’s new focus, replacing Professor Kovin Naidoo, who has resigned as CEO of the Institute as well as of the Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation, with separate heads of each of arm of its organisation. Ms Yvette Waddell, as new CEO of the Institute, will focus on a translational research response, while in a new role, Ms Amanda Davis will take on a dedicated position of Interim CEO of the Foundation to drive the public health response.

Brien Holden Vision Institute Chair, Professor Brian Layland, says the focus of the new CEOs will be on individual business growth that strengthens the organisations’ shared goals. He says sustainability and expansion are high on the list for future investment. “The Institute’s new focus will be a significant undertaking for both translational research and public health but, ultimately, the two businesses will share a clear new vision,” says Prof Layland.

Prof Naidoo became CEO of the Institute with the sudden passing of the Institute’s founder, Prof Brien Holden, in 2015, having been a respected and valued member of the group for nearly 20 years. He played a significant part in the development of the organisations as they set new standards in translational research, optometry education and public health. Most recently, Prof Naidoo was the Global Director of the Our Children’s Vision campaign, which he led from its inception with the support and encouragement of Brien Holden and 70 global NGO partners.

In the wake of the founder’s death, Prof Layland says Prof Naidoo showed courage and strength as he stabilised and grew the Institute’s complex business. “Kovin brought stability to the organisation during an emotional transition. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Waddell has been the chief operating officer(COO) of the Institute since 2003. She replaced Professor Holden on the Board in July 2015. She has amassed an impressive track record in the ophthalmic sector in the last 20 years, spearheading licensing of intellectual property and building new business relationships with leaders of industry.

Davis is a leader in the public health sector. She has been the chief operating officer (COO) for the Foundation since 2006. She also currently holds the position of chair of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in the Western Pacific Region. She leads a strong team of over 100 educators, optometrists, public health researchers, project managers and support staff. They are a cohesive team, working in over 20 countries, who work to bring vision correction and eye health to those who are marginalised and underprivileged in the world.

Both Waddell and Davis were mentored by Professor Holden, whose stated dream was ‘vision for everyone, everywhere’. Ms Waddell says as one of the guardians of the legacy of Professor Holden, and one of the organisations he founded, she believes the new direction represents the future of that legacy.