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Glaucoma Australia
August 2019

Vale Marcus James Quinlivan OAM

24 October 1921 - 24 August 2019

It is with deep gratitude that Glaucoma Australia remembers the life and generosity of Marcus James Quinlivan OAM who passed away on 24 August and is survived by his loving wife Nathalie.

Marcus Quinlivan OAM

In 2006 Mr Quinlivan established the William A Quinlivan Research Fund in honour of his late father. The fund has been generated over $1.8M in assets which ensures Glaucoma Australia is able to support high quality glaucoma research into the future.

Since its inception, Glaucoma Australia has committed $934,527 to support Australian glaucoma researchers across a diverse range of projects. Examples include research to improve the accuracy of glaucoma detection, improve the benefits to people on glaucoma treatment and demonstrating the efficiency of Glaucoma Australia in caring for people with glaucoma and their families.

Mr Quinlivan's generosity continues to help Glaucoma Australia advance our mission to 'eliminate glaucoma blindness.' To commemorate World Sight Day on 10 October the William A Quinlivan Research Fund will be used to award $200,000 in the first round of its new Glaucoma Research Grants Program.

William A Quinlivan

William Alfred Quinlivan was born on 6th August 1883 at Myrtleford, Victoria. He served in the Australian Army (AIF) in World War I as a member of the 22nd Battalion and was involved in battles on the Western Front, including seeing action in major battles at Bullecourt and Villers-Bretonneux. There he was severely gassed and temporarily blinded, the effects of which he continued to suffer until his death in 1936.

William Quinlivan was a devoted husband and father and is remembered for his quiet sense of humour, his caring nature, his kindness and the practical help he gave to underprivileged people. He was not backward in challenging injustice.

In honour of his father, Marcus Quinlivan OAM proposed and financed the establishment of this special fund with the co-operation of Glaucoma Australia.