Professor Naidoo awarded coveted Essilor International Award humbly calls for action from all

The Essilor Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry awarded by the American Academy of Optometry recognises an individual, individuals, or organisations for extraordinary international contributions to optometry or international eye care. Professor Kovin Naidoo, Global Programmes Director of the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) is the 2010 recipient of this prestigious award. Since the coveted award is only made from nominations of truly outstanding international contributions which have been well documented throughout the industry, it is not always awarded every year, making it all the more revered.

Professor Naidoo’s accomplishments are too many to list. He is a dedicated scholar, an outstanding humanitarian, and above all an inspirational leader who has improved the quality of eye health care for large numbers of people globally throughout his industrious career.

In 2010, Professor Naidoo was awarded (jointly with Professor Brien Holden from Australia) the Schwab Social Entrepreneur Award for Africa, which acknowledges outstanding leaders or visionaries who pursue poverty alleviation with entrepreneurial zeal and whose efforts are characterised by innovation, sustainability, reach and social impact. In the same year Professor Naidoo was invited to address a hearing of the US Congress on visual health related to UV exposure. In 2007 he was awarded International Optometrist of the Year by the World Council of Optometry, previous to that he was awarded African Optometrist of the Year. These awards are a small recognition of the tremendous achievements of Professor Naidoo promoting optometric care in developing countries.

Professor Naidoo spoke after the Essilor International Award presentation ceremony saying, "There are nearly a billion people in our world who live in poverty. Every profession needs to work together to reach this sector of society. While I am very appreciative and feel very honoured to receive this award, I do not want to create the impression I am one of only a few chosen people who can make a difference. I urge all eye care professionals to get involved in public health efforts to help alleviate the staggering figure of 670 million people suffering with avoidable blindness or vision impairment in this world because they simply don’t have access to basic eye care."

Following this point Professor Naidoo reflected on his time as a student leader in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the positive effects of one statement he coined to convince students that they should ignore the repression and get involved. He reminded them that, "Progress is not attained by the immense sacrifice of a few but by the humble sacrifices of the majority."

Another Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry referred to him by noting, "Kovin Naidoo is a legend. (He is) an outstanding contributor to global eye care and prevention of blindness, a leader like no other in optometry, in social justice, an advocate of the rights for the underprivileged, the delivery of eye care to those in need, and a representative of the value of rigorous science in evaluating needs and outcomes. This is recognition for his humanity."

Professor Naidoo thanked and acknowledged colleagues and friends in his acceptance speech. Highlighted during his words was Professor Brien Holden, from the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Australia, for his continuing support and encouragement. Professor Holden was himself the honoured recipient of the Essilor International Award in 2004.