Thank you to our Board of Management

17 Aug 2021

As we celebrate forty years since the Foundation was established in 1981 we recognise those who have dedicated time and expertise to Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation supporting thousands of staff and patients relying on our specialist eye hospital.

In recognising the impact of the Foundation through the grants given to the hospital, Board President, Dr Justin Playfair AM, acknowledged the Foundation community.

“We’re proud to have given over $19.4 million in grants to Sydney Eye Hospital, with $745,256 allocated in 2020,” said Justin.

“This is only possible thanks to our donors upon whom we depend. Our gratitude extends to these donors, volunteers, staff and dedicated Board of Management.”

Board members volunteer their time and expertise all bound by their dedication to Sydney Eye Hospital. The is led by Dr Justin Playfair AM and Deputy Chair, Dr Andrew Chang, ably supported by the Board of Management, Chief Executive and committee structure:

  • Investment and Finance Committee chaired by Dr John Gregory-Roberts
  • Fundraising and Marketing Committee chaired by Professor Gerard Sutton
  • Research Committee chaired by A/Professor Matthew Simunovic
  • Executive Committee chaired by Dr Andrew Chang

“In recognising the Board I would like to advise Professor Frank Billson AO and Dr Alex P Hunyor, recently resigned as directors and we extend our sincere thanks for their commitment to the Foundation, the hospital and importantly the patients we help,” Dr Playfair said.

Professor Frank Billson AO

Professor Frank Billson AO

After 40 years’ service as a founding member of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Professor Frank Billson AO, has announced his retirement.

In a tribute to Professor Billson, Foundation President Dr Justin Playfair said Frank became the first Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney and commenced in 1976 at the Sydney Eye Hospital Woolloomooloo and then on to the Macquarie Street campus.

“He is a surgeon with an intense interest in the science of ophthalmology and has always been eager that our Foundation should support basic and clinical research.  He has also recognised the need for the purchase of specialist equipment which would enhance both teaching and the state of art care at Sydney Eye Hospital.

“He has encouraged ophthalmology graduates to work in research and surgical positions overseas at the conclusion of their Sydney Eye Hospital training.  He has also supported overseas Foundation Fellows to work and research in Sydney Eye Hospital.  These initiatives have greatly increased our Hospitals’ worldwide reputation as a centre of excellence in patient care.

“Professor Bilson has been eager that our young ophthalmologists and researchers be encouraged to convince politicians and the community of the benefits of research, the significance of our past achievements and the consequences if inadequate funding is given to our current researchers.

“His drive and loyalty to the Foundation and the Sydney Eye Hospital campus as a whole have given us a world class hospital and we thank him sincerely for this achievement,” Dr Playfair said.

Dr Alex P Hunyor

Dr Alex P Hunyor

Dr Alex Hunyor stepped down as a Director of the Board of Management in 2021, having been a director for ten years.

Announcing this, Foundation President Dr Justin Playfair AM said, “Dr Hunyor is a medical retinal specialist with a keen interest in not only retinal research but in the future direction of Australian eye health. This has been shown by his ongoing membership of government and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) committees.

“Alex was a prominent member of our Research Committee, giving advice to would be researchers and assessing applications for granting project funds. During his tenure there was a pleasing improvement in the standard of research funding requests.

“His expertise in forward planning was demonstrated in his design and layout concepts for the Bicentennial Clinic and his choice of world class equipment.

“Although Dr Hunyor resigns from our Board due to a significant increase in his clinical retinal workload and research, he maintains his commitment at Sydney Eye Hospital, both as a specialist retinal teacher and driver of research,” Dr Playfair said.