The Université de Montréal granted an honorary degree to Brien Holden, executive global chairman of Optometry Giving Sight. The honour is part of centennial celebrations for the university's school of optometry. Holden is being recognized for his work in corneal physiology and contact lenses, as well as in appreciation for founding the non-profit Optometry Giving Sight organization.

“It is a special honour to receive this acknowledgement from the University of Montreal in its EOUM (École d’optométrie, Université de Montréal) centenary year and from one of the oldest schools of optometry in the world,” said Holden in his acceptance speech.

“To come from a French-speaking institution is particularly significant because it demonstrates the fraternal spirit that exists in our field. The willingness of researchers and institutions across the world to share their ideas and collaborate has been a major reason why we’ve managed to make such incredible progress in the areas of vision correction and now in delivering eye care to those in need, during my time in the profession.”

Dr. Langis Michaud, associate professor and chair of the contact lens department at EOUM, nominated Holden for the award in recognition of his visionary influence in blindness prevention, his scientific and research contributions and for raising the standard of vision care in developing communities around the world.

Optometry Giving Sight offers sustainable primary eye care programs, including providing eye exams and a pair of glasses to those in need in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its Canadian branch was opened in 2005 to join forces with fundraising branches in the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Italy, Norway, Singapore and Ireland.

The professor has in his career been awarded six honourary doctorates and an honourary fellowship; five international awards; five international medals, including the Medal of the Order of Australia; and he has been inducted into the USA National Optometry Hall of Fame.