Brian Layland OAM

Historical Significance: Brian Layland OAM BSc(Optom) ASTC (1930 - ) made contributions to optometry on numerous fronts from 1955 to 2010 and beyond. When he qualified in optometry in 1953 ophthalmologists were still providing primary eye care and general medical practitioners preferred to refer to them rather than to optometrists. The situation was exacerbated in 1953 when the Menzies Liberal government introduced a health insurance program that provided rebates for ophthalmologists' eye examinations but not optometrists. As a result Layland quickly became involved in the politics of addressing this problem. He became a NSW State councillor in 1955 and remained active for decades, becoming a National Councillor in 1971 and National President 1976 to 1979. He worked tirelessly, along with colleagues Bruce Besley, Arthur Ley, and AOA Executive Director Damien Smith to have optometry included in the Federal government's health insurance scheme. This was achieved in 1975 along with inclusion in the government's Veteran Affairs health scheme. He also fought the battles to allow optometrists to use diagnostic drugs, which was achieved in NSW in 1970. His is a story of persistent political intrigue. He was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in 1982 for his services to optometry. In later years he was initimately involved in the cooperative eye research centres lead by Professor Brien Holden at the University of NSW and was appointed adjunct professor. He was also involved with related organisations to do with providing eye care for disadvantaged communities. See his profile on this web site under the tab 'People who made history'