Bjorn Thylefors, M.D.

A number of far-sighted and dedicated individuals have spent time and effort tackling the enormous problem of preventing blindness in the developing world. However, among all, Dr. Bjorn Thylefors, is unique. A Swedish ophthalmologist, he has dedicated his professional life to international blindness prevention and has approached the challenge as a true "international civil servant," beholden only to the goals to which he is committed.

As an ophthalmologist concerned about blindness and its epidemiology in economically developing nations, Dr. Thylefors carried out groundbreaking research and programmatic support for controlling trachoma in North Africa. After several years of productive field work, he shifted his attention to the problem of onchocerciasis (river blindness), serving as the first chief ophthalmologist-epidemiologist for the highly successful and internationally recognized Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa that is funded and organized by the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Once these programs were initiated and underway, Dr. Thylefors joined the newly formed Programme for Blindness Prevention at the World Health Organization in Geneva and became its manager in 1981. He is the individual most responsible for its organization and structure, including and effective international network of WHO Blindness Prevention Collaborating Centers, the establishment of concerted worldwide efforts that have raised consciousness of the problem and invigorated its core activities.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently presented Dr. Thylefors with the International Blindness Prevention Award for his unique and innovative leadership of the World Health Organization’s Blindness Prevention Programme.