21/08/2025
We would like to recognise Professor Lawrence Hirst's dedication and pioneering work with the Queensland Eye Bank - he leaves behind an inspiring legacy. Thank you for your service Prof Hirst!
The founding medical director of the Queensland Eye Bank, Prof Lawrence Hirst has seen his way through 38 years of dedication to the delivery of eye tissue to thousands of Queenslanders. 👀
The eye bank (QEB) which had humble beginnings at PA Hospital when it launched in 1988 was soon the best performing in the country.
Now part of the Queensland Tissue Bank, it is the largest ocular tissue bank in Australia, processing over 500 donors a year, supporting approximately 1,000 corneal transplants every year.
That’s over 30,000 corneas for transplant and multitudes of Queenslanders with a new lease on sight!
Prof Hirst quietly stepped out of frame from his QEB leadership role earlier this year and Queensland’s success in corneal transplantation is a testament to his 38 years of dedicated service.
Thank you, Prof Hirst. 👏