Lex Grocott, Barry Cole and Barry Collin at the formal dinner of the AOA National Conference 1988

Historical Significance: Professor Cole was the foundation Professor of Optometry in the University of Melbourne1978 to 1999 and was the first full time Director of the College 1964 - 1998. Barry Collin graduated LOSc from the College in 1953 and did a BSc degree with a major in pathology. He practised with his father for 7 or so years before accepting the second lectureship in the College in 1963. He was promoted to Reader before accepting the chair in optometry at the University of NSW in 1981. He was a very important figure in the development of research in the College in the 1960s and 1970s. His profile is published Clin Exp Optom 2001; 84: 39-42 and on this web site under the tab 'People who made history'. Lex Grocott from New Zealand qualified in optometry in New Zealand but to further his own training he studied fourth year at the Victorian College of Optometry in 1960 with Gavin Bridgman, the only final year student in that year.