IACLE Lifetime Achievement Award 2017 Recipient Prof Sweeney

In 2017, IACLE presented the IACLE Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Deborah Sweeney.

Professor Sweeney received the award at the IACLE Congress on Contact Lens Education held in Hyderabad, India on 9-10 September 2017.

Her contribution to global contact lens education includes serving as IACLE President from 2000-2011, and as its Secretary and Treasurer for 10 years, having first become a member in 1990. She has held executive roles at the Cornea & Contact Lens Research Unit, School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales, Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Eye Research & Technology and Vision CRC. Her current role is Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University of Western Sydney.

Professor Sweeney received her award from IACLE President Dr Shehzad Naroo, following a tribute from Professor Desmond Fonn, recipient of the first-ever IACLE Lifetime Achievement Award, who was among the IACLE Congress speakers.

She acknowledged the contribution of IACLE’s founders to the association, and the long-term support of the contact lens industry that recognised education was ‘a win for the patient, the practitioner and the market’. ‘IACLE is built on the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit of its members,’ she said. ‘It’s been a personal pleasure – as well as a professional one – to be involved. IACLE will continue to make a great mark on contact lens education.’

Dr Naroo commented: ‘Debbie took over from the late Brien Holden, who was IACLE President from 1991-2000. Des Fonn was Vice President for 15 years and served during both former presidencies. It was this remarkable trinity that moulded IACLE to its current form. They created a global organization that has reached all corners of the world, currently has more than 800 members, and has helped raise the standard of contact lens education and promote the safe use of contact lenses worldwide, in partnership with industry.

‘Debbie was able to take IACLE through some turbulent times. Through her renewed vision IACLE rose into the global model for eye care education. Debbie is a deserved recipient of this award, which is the highest accolade offered by IACLE.’