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Queensland Eye Institute Foundation Opens New Home in Woolloongabba
The Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF) celebrated a significant milestone in its history of saving sight with the official opening of its new home at 87 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, on August 20, 2024. Her Excellency the Honourable Doctor Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Justice Debra Mullins, President of the Queensland Court of Appeal and Chair of the Sylvia & Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation, past CEO Professor Lawrie Hirst, and His Excellency Mr. Radu Safta, Romanian Ambassador to Australia.
The new facility, which houses the foundation's clinical services, research laboratories, and administrative offices, marks a significant step forward for the organization. Following the opening formalities, past and present staff members mingled with supporters in the foyer before touring the expansive new clinical areas and research laboratories.
The Queensland Eye Institute Foundation has come a long way since its inception in 1965, when Dr. John Ohlrich and supporters from The Lions Clubs raised funds for vision research. At the time, there were only a handful of ophthalmologists in Queensland, and eye health education was limited. Dr. Ohlrich believed that research, teaching, and improving eye care delivery could save the sight of Queenslanders threatened by preventable and treatable eye diseases.
Over the years, the foundation has explored various ways to fulfill its commitment to saving sight. In 1986, with the support of a generous donation from local businessman Charles Viertel, it established a Chair of Ophthalmology at the University of Queensland. The new Chair, situated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and filled by Professor Lawrence (Lawrie) Hirst, allowed for concentrated research efforts and provided opportunities to influence curriculum and mentor students to become the next generation of vision scientists.
The relocation to the new Woolloongabba premises marks a significant milestone in the foundation's history, enabling it to expand its clinical services and research capabilities while maintaining its commitment to saving sight for the people of Queensland.
(photo credit QEI; In photo: Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM (centre) with Queensland Eye Institute Foundation Directors (L-R) Prof Mark Radford, Jane Prentice, Chair Mark Sheridan, Jemma Elder, Mario Pennisi, John Lowes)
