Australian honours awarded

Six members of the Australian ophthalmological community have been honoured in this year’s Queen’s birthday list.

Professor Robyn Guymer (VIC) was made a member (AM) in the general division for significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology, particularly age related macular degeneration as a clinician, academic and researcher.

Prof Guymer is deputy director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne.

She started the Macular Research Unit at CERA two decades ago to study AMD, the most common cause of severe vision loss in Australia. The unit now includes 20 researchers and is recognised both nationally and internationally. She is also a practicing clinician and a senior retinal consultant at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. She was made an inaugural fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science and has been recognised internationally as an elected member of the Macular Society and American Academy for her expertise in AMD.

Two other Australians were also made members in the general division.

Dr Tim Henderson (NT) was honoured for significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology, and to Indigenous eye health in the Northern Territory. Dr Henderson, the only ophthalmologist in the Central Australia and Barkly region in Australia’s Northern Territory, and was recognised for his long-standing work with and dedication to improving Aboriginal health.

Professor Lawrence Hirst (QLD) was recognised for significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology through the development of clinical care techniques and eye disease management. Prof Hirst is the director and founder of the Australian Pterygium Centre and pioneered the PERFECT (pterygium extended removal followed by extended conjunctival transplant) method for removing the pterygium, resulting in few recurrences and a good cosmetic appearance.

Three other eye health practitioners were awarded OAMs (Order of Australia Medals) in the general division. Dr Sudarshan Sachdev (NSW)was recognised for service to the community, and to medicine, particularly ophthalmology; Julienne Tyers (VIC) for nursing and her work with international eye-health programmes; and Dr Graeme Pollock (VIC) for service to medical research, particularly corneal transplantation.

See the full Australian Queen's Birthday Honours List here.