The group also announced a shift in focus.
Kovin Naidoo has resigned as CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute and its foundation.
Yvette Waddell has been appointed to the role of CEO of the institute. Amanda Davis will take on a dedicated position as interim CEO of the foundation.
With the leadership change, the institute announced “a shift in focus to address future needs both for the ophthalmic industry and the public health sector.” The institute describes itself as a “non-profit, translational research, education and public health organization.”
“The shift will see a redoubling of efforts to strengthen core business – delivering optical inventions and public health solutions to the world,” according to a press release. Waddell “will focus on a translational research response,” while Davis will seek to “drive the public health response.”
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Naidoo became CEO in 2015 following the sudden death of the Institute’s founder, Brien Holden.
“Kovin brought stability to the organisation during an emotional transition,” said Brian Layland, chairman of the institute. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”
Waddell has been chief operating officer of the institute since 2003. She replaced Holden on the board in July 2015.
“The teams at Brien Holden Vision Institute have decades of experience in research and development in the area of contact lenses, spectacles and IOLs,” she said. “My new role will allow the Institute to focus on those strengths to meet the needs of the industry and address the need for new products in myopia.”
Davis has been the chief operating officer for the foundation since 2006.
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