Opening Eyes: Preventor of Blindness - An autobiography by Professor Hugh Taylor AC

Melbourne Laureate Emeritus Professor Hugh Taylor AC officially launched his autobiography, Opening Eyes: Preventor of Blindness, on Wednesday 6 August 2025, at a special event held at Guide Dogs Victoria, followed later in the month by a celebration at Ormond College in the University of Melbourne.

Professor Taylor was also recently honoured with the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology Laureate Award, the Academy’s highest distinction. You can read about this here.

L: Professor Hugh Taylor and Professor Barry Jones C: Professor Hugh Taylor, Carly Iles, Christopher Pyne, Jennifer Gersbeck, Barry Jones, Dr Monique Ryan, and Jess Gallagher launching 'Opening Eyes' at the 2025 Barry Jones Vision Oration. R: Professor Taylor signing copies of 'Opening Eyes'.

Vision 2020 Australia, Barry Jones Vision Oration

The official launch was part of Vision 2020 Australia’s 25th anniversary Barry Jones Vision Oration, and marked a significant milestone for the eye health sector. The in-person event included a thought-provoking discussion on the future of vision care hosted by Paralympic medallist Jess Gallagher. The prestigious panel included notable figures in the organisation’s history:

  • Professor the Hon Barry Jones AC - inaugural Vision 2020 Australia Chair
  • Jennifer Gersbeck - previous Vision 2020 Australia CEO
  • Professor Hugh Taylor AC - previous Vision 2020 Australia Chair
  • The Hon Christopher Pyne - current Vision 2020 Australia Chair
  • Carly Iles - current Vision 2020 Australia CEO

L: Ormond Hall C: Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate, Professor Hugh Taylor and Professor Marcia Langton R: Ormond College

Ormond College Celebration

Later in the month on 25 August 2025, Ormond College, University of Melbourne, hosted a special Formal Hall dinner and cocktail reception to celebrate the release of Opening Eyes: Preventor of Blindness. The event brought together alumni, students, colleagues, and friends to honour Professor Taylor, himself an Ormond alumnus, and recognise his extraordinary contributions to eye health in Australia and internationally.

L:  Professor Marcia Langton and Professor Hugh Taylor viewing  'Opening Eyes'. C: Professor Marcia Langton launching 'Opening Eyes' at Ormond College. R: Professor Hugh Taylor and the team at Minum Barreng (L-R: Mitchell Anjou, Emma Stanford, Hugh Taylor, Fiona Lange, Carol Wynne and Makkaillah Ridgeway)

Guests were welcomed by Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate, Master of Ormond College, with special reflections from Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO, who acknowledged Professor Taylor’s enduring leadership and advocacy for First Nations eye care.

'Preventor of Blindness' Cover

About the Book:

Opening Eyes: Preventor of Blindness tells the incredible story of Professor Taylor’s decades of work in eye care and the fight to eliminate avoidable blindness. The book spans a broad range of public health efforts, including:

  • The prevention and control of trachoma and river blindness
  • Research on the effects of UV-B radiation and smoking on the eye
  • Global eye health collaborations, including with the World Health Organisation
  • Professor Taylor’s leadership in Indigenous eye health in Australia, including the national push to Close the Gap for Vision

With a mix of scientific insight, personal reflection, and deep commitment to equity, Opening Eyes: Preventor of Blindness offers a unique view into one of Australia’s most influential public health careers.

The book is now available in:

  • Hard copy
  • eBook
  • Audiobook

The book can be ordered on Amazon and Booktopia and other retailers.

Listen to an audio sample read by Hugh’s daughter, Phoebe, here.

For media or general enquiries, please contact: 

Professor Hugh Taylor h.taylor@unimelb.edu.au

Related news and articles:

IAPB: Prof Hugh Taylor releases book Opening Eyes; Preventer of Blindness

Mivision: Opening Eyes: Manifesto for Impact

Vision 2020 Australia's Facebook post

Ophthalmology Foundation; Publication Highlight: Opening Eyes