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» Go to news mainIn Memoriam: Dr. Raymond Paul LeBlanc
The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dalhousie Professor Emeritus, Dr. Raymond Paul LeBlanc on July 10, 2023, at the age of 84.
Born in Moncton, Dr. LeBlanc attended Université de Moncton, Ottawa University, the Cleveland Clinic, and Washington University, before he was recruited to serve as head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences here at Dalhousie in 1979. Over his 24 years as Chair, the department became a clinical, educational, and scientific leader nationally and internationally. He led the development of the Eye Care Centre, an integrated approach to vision care which now serves as a model for other provinces in Canada.
Dr. LeBlanc held many appointments over his career, including founding member and chair of the National Coalition for Vision Health, president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and founding member and president of the Canadian Glaucoma Society and the Glaucoma Research Society.
He was a respected leader who valued science and research, and was dedicated to building Dalhousie’s research base, developing lab capacity, and nurturing scientific talent. At the time of his retirement in 2008, he had authored over 60 peer reviewed publications.
In 2005, Dr. LeBlanc was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his services to ophthalmology and vision care, a recognition of his approach to patient care, teaching and research. He was also the recipient of honorary degrees from the Université de Moncton and Dalhousie.
When he retired from clinical practice, Dr. LeBlanc became a full-time administrator with what was then Capital District Health Authority (now Nova Scotia Health). It was here that he accepted the last position of his career, Vice-President of Learning, Research and Innovation, a role he held enthusiastically for seven years.
Dr. LeBlanc was a national and international leader in ophthalmology, a dedicated teacher, and an unwavering patient advocate. He will be profoundly missed.
Read the full obituary here.