Collection of papers and photographs for Dr Gad Trevaks AM

Historical Significance: Dr Trevaks (b Shepparton1932) qualified in optometry at the Australian College of Optometry obtaining his LOSc diploma in 1953. However, he did not find optometry an engaging career, in part because of a lack of aptitude in optical dispensing. He took up the study of medicine and completed his MBBS at the University of Melbourne in 1958, but practised optometry as a source of income while a medical student. He pursued a distinguished career in medical administration at the Alfred and Royal Womens' hospitals, becoming the latter hospital's CEO in 1977. The following year was appointed Head of the then newly formed Victorian Health Commission under which public hospitals in Victoria, mental health and public health were merged. He had charge of public services in Victoria that consumed 20% of the State's budget and employed 10,000 people. He did not abandon his first profession: he was a member of the Council of the Victorian College of Optometry from 1968 to 1977 when he stepped down because of his appointment to head the Victorian Health Commission. He chaired the College's Clinic Board from 1969 to 1974. Later he was on the Board of the National Vision Research Institute from 1986 to 1989. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994 for his services to health care administration and medicine.