Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer, CNZM, of Auckland, for services to ophthalmology
Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer was the first female Professor of Ophthalmology and the second female Professor in any surgical speciality in New Zealand. She is the Sir William and Lady Stevenson Professor of Ophthalmology with the University of Auckland and the Head of Academic Neuro-Ophthalmology and the Glaucoma Research Unit of the New Zealand Eye Centre. She is the Chair and co-founder of Glaucoma New Zealand. She has served as the Chair of Women in Ophthalmology for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, introducing innovative polices that have reduced inequities and promote diversity and inclusion in clinical and scientific training.Professor Danesh-Meyer’s research has yielded key insights into the causes and improved management of glaucoma and other leading causes for blindness in New Zealand.