Dr. Akio Kanai.

NEW YORK—The Brien Holden Humanitarian Award, acknowledging humanitarian efforts in the non-profit sector to build and support sustainable eyecare systems in developing communities, will be awarded to Dr. Akio Kanai. Dr. Kanai’s is being recognized for his partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and his efforts in providing direct eyecare in Thailand, Nepal, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Rohingya to over 100,000 refugees. In honor of Dr. Kanai, The American Academy of Optometry has made a $5,000 donation to Fuji Vision Aid Mission, according to an announcement from the Academy.

The funds will be used to help provide patient care to overseas refugees. Dr. Kanai will be recognized at the Academy 2018 San Antonio Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Kanai said, “I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. I am very grateful to the Brien Holden Vision Institute and all the members of the awards committee for recognizing the value in what I have done in my optometric career. Just like the late Dr. Holden, a passion for caring for the vulnerable has led me to where I am today. Improving the vision of refugees brings their future in better focus, a little bit brighter. I hope that I keep working to help others for the rest of my life.”

The Brien Holden Humanitarian Award, established by the Brien Holden Vision Institute and Holden family estate, will be awarded annually. Nominations for 2019 should include two letters of nomination from Academy Fellows and a CV of the nominee. Nominations may be submitted to HelenV@aaoptom.org by April 1, 2019.