BY DI SNEDDON
Having been on the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACB) for 16 years, Kevin O’Brien had no idea of the honour about to be bestowed upon him while attending the organisation’s International Convention in Sydney last month.
When he was called on stage he thought it was an oversight on the program and it was he who was required to make a presentation.
Instead, Kevin was presented with Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement and promotion of behavioural optometry across Australasia.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” a very humble Kevin told The Hunter River Times.
Kevin attributes his passion for behavioural optometry to Peter Woolf, an optometrist he worked alongside early in his career.
Peter gained his qualifications in South Africa and behavioural optometry or neuro optometry as it is also known was inclusive of the course.
In Australia it is another four or five years of study on top of an optometry degree.
It is a path Kevin took that has remained the defining thread of his professional life.
His advocacy for the discipline was nationally recognised when he received the College’s Presidents Award, a rare honour awarded for outstanding service to the profession back in 2003.
The understanding, study and research of how our brain processes our eyesight (clinically referred to as visual neuroscience) has developed significantly over the years and the ACBO recognised Kevin for his involvement in raising the profile of behavioural optometry both nationally and internationally.
Kevin joined the ACBO Board in 2009 when it was a monthly flight to Melbourne for Board meetings. Nowadays it is a zoom meeting with a face-to-face meeting every three months.
He served as secretary, treasurer and editor of the ACBO national newsletter but what he is most proud of is the establishment of the College’s International Knowledge Repository which will accumulate every published article on behavioural optometry that can be accessed by optometrists and researchers, the first of its kind in the world.
Kevin marks 45 years in business next year and his passion for the industry has not waived.
His endurance is boosted by the impact his knowledge is having on his clients.
“I see kids coming in, really struggling at school and in some cases written off, not being able to cope and it is all because of their eyesight that can be addressed,” said Kevin.
Kevin’s greatest reward is seeing these kids improve and the appreciation expressed by their parents and the kids.
Kevin forecasts short-sightedness will significantly increase in coming years with screen-time dominating many children’s lives.
His simple advice is to get your kids outside in the sunlight for two hours a day to ensure little eyes are using their long-distance capabilities.
Kevin had his final Board meeting last week and as the meeting closed he simply waved at the screen and switched off.
Meanwhile his unwavering dedication, distinguished leadership and enduring legacy in the field of behavioural optometry will continue from his John Street practice.
