{{Short description|Dutch ophthalmologist and member of the Senate}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Jan Keunen | image = Jan Keunen.jpg | caption = Keunen at a 2022 conference for ambassadors | office = Member of the [[Senate (Netherlands)|Senate]] | predecessor = [[Roel Wever]] | term_start = 26 October 2020 | term_end = 13 June 2023 | birth_name = Johannes Ernest Everard Keunen | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|10|2|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[Roermond]], Netherlands | party = [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy]] | occupation = [[Ophthalmologist]], professor | alma_mater = [[Radboud University Nijmegen]], [[Utrecht University]] | spouse = {{marriage|Florence Lohuis|14 April 1989|2014|end=d}} | children = 2 }} '''Johannes Ernest Everard''' "'''Jan'''" '''Keunen''' (born 2 October 1954) is a Dutch [[ophthalmologist]], professor, and politician. After studying medicine at [[Radboud University Nijmegen]] and receiving his doctorate in 1988, he worked at academic hospitals in Utrecht, Leiden, and Nijmegen. He served as a member of the [[Senate (Netherlands)|Senate]] between 2020 and 2023. Keunen is a member of the conservative–liberal [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy]] (VVD) and has supported banning the sale of [[consumer fireworks]].
== Early life and education == Keunen was born in 1954 in the Dutch city of [[Roermond]] to Rudy Keunen (1921–1996) and Béatrice Finály (1925). His father was the president of an [[Eindhoven]] [[tanning (leather)|leather tannery]], which was founded by his great-grandfather in 1828, while his mother worked as a nurse.<ref name="book">{{Cite book |pages = 166, 168, and 169 |title = [[Nederland's Patriciaat]] |language = nl |year = 1999 |volume = 81 |publisher = [[Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie]] |place = The Hague |isbn = 90-5802-005-3 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title = Lederfabrikant Rudy Keunen overleden |trans-title = Leather producer Rudy Keunen passed away |language = nl |newspaper = [[Eindhovens Dagblad]] |page = 17 |date = 14 November 1996 }}</ref> Keunen grew up with two sisters and one brother, and he attended the [[Eindhoven]] secondary school [[Scholengemeenschap Augustinianum]] from 1967 to 1972 at [[Hogere Burgerschool|HBS-B]] level.<ref name="book"/><ref name="ek"/> He subsequently studied medicine at [[Radboud University Nijmegen]], graduating in 1979, and served as a [[reservist]] at the Utrecht military hospital Dr. A. Mathijsen. Starting in 1981, Keunen was trained as an ophthalmologist at the Ooglijdersgasthuis in [[Utrecht]]. He became a junior staff member there in 1985, when he started studying at [[Utrecht University]].<ref name="ek">{{Cite web |url = https://www.eerstekamer.nl/persoon/prof_dr_j_e_e_keunen_ebod_vvd_2 |website = [[Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal]] |language = Dutch |access-date = 4 January 2021 |title = Prof.dr. J.E.E. Keunen EBOD (VVD) |archive-date = 27 January 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210127143617/https://www.eerstekamer.nl/persoon/prof_dr_j_e_e_keunen_ebod_vvd_2 |url-status = dead }}</ref> He received his [[doctorate]] from that university three years later after finishing his [[dissertation]] titled ''[[Densitometry]] in diseases and [[senescence]] of the human retina''.<ref name="radboud1">{{Cite web |url = https://www.radboudumc.nl/personen/jan-keunen |website = [[Radboudumc]] |language = Dutch |access-date = 14 November 2020 |title = Jan Keunen }}</ref>
== Medical career == Keunen stayed at the Ooglijdersgasthuis after completing his studies. He moved to the [[Academic Hospital Utrecht]] in 1989, when the Ooglijdersgasthuis became part of that hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.ooglijdersgasthuis.nl/verhalen/ |title = In de voetsporen van illustere voorgangers |trans-title = In the footsteps of illustrious predecessors |website = Ooglijdersgasthuis |language = Dutch |access-date = 14 November 2020 |archive-date = 17 November 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201117014743/https://www.ooglijdersgasthuis.nl/verhalen/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> In the years 1990–91, he visited the [[University of Chicago]]'s Visual Sciences Center as a [[Fulbright Program|Fulbright Scholar]].<ref name="radboud1"/>
Keunen took a job as ophthalmology department head and professor at the [[Leiden University Medical Center]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/een-operatiefabriekje-voor-staarpatienten~b8c5e45d/ |url-access = subscription |website = [[De Volkskrant]] |date = 7 July 2001 |title = Een operatiefabriekje voor staarpatienten |trans-title = An operation factory for cataract patients |last = Bruinsma |first = Jet |access-date = 2 November 2020 |language = Dutch }}</ref> His specialization was [[ocular oncology]].<ref name="radboud1"/> In 2003, he also became chair of Vision 2020 Netherlands, an initiative of the [[World Health Organization]] to eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The initiative concluded that over 200,000 people in the Netherlands were unnecessarily suffering from these conditions.<ref>{{Cite news |title = Velen onnodig blind of slechtziend |trans-title = Many unnecessarily blind or visually impaired |newspaper = [[De Gelderlander]] |language = Dutch |date = 12 March 2005 }}</ref> While working in Leiden, Keunen also served as scientific secretary and secretary of the professional organization Nederlands Oogheelkundig Gezelschap (NOG) starting in 1995 and as European co-chair of [[The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness]].<ref name="radboud1"/><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.iapb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IAPB-Europe-2012-2021-v06.pdf |title = Summary of the IAPB Europe activities between 2012-2021 |access-date = 18 June 2021 |website = iapb.org |publisher = [[The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness]] }}</ref> He continued working at the Leiden hospital until February 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.lumc.nl/ove/att/80212012710221/71203053936221.pdf |publisher = [[Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum]] |title = Jaarverslag 2005 |trans-title = 2005 Annual Report |date = May 2006 |page = 49 |language = Dutch |access-date = 2 November 2020 |archive-date = 25 March 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150325174601/https://www.lumc.nl/ove/att/80212012710221/71203053936221.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref>
Thereafter, Keunen served as teacher, professor, and head of the ophthalmology department at the [[Radboud University Medical Center]].<ref name="radboud1"/> Keunen's research has focussed on [[laser surgery]] and new treatments for patients with eye cancer and retina disorders including [[macular degeneration]].<ref name="radboud1"/><ref name="ad">{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/nijmegen/nijmeegse-oud-prof-oogheelkunde-jan-keunen-in-eerste-kamer~ae9a71fa/ |title = Nijmeegse oud-prof oogheelkunde Jan Keunen in Eerste Kamer |trans-title = Retired ophthalmology professor from Nijmegen Jan Keunen in the Senate |language = Dutch |access-date = 1 November 2020 |date = 26 October 2020 |last = Kuitert |first = Jeroen |website = [[Algemeen Dagblad|AD]] }}</ref> His department was the first in the Netherlands to use a microsecond laser in 2007 and the [[Pascal Photocoagulator]] in 2008.<ref name="radboud2"/><ref>{{Cite news |title = Ultrasnelle laser voor afwijking netvlies |trans-title = Ultrafast laser for retina disorder |newspaper = De Gelderlander |date = 4 September 2008 |language = Dutch |page = 24 }}</ref> Keunen cut back his hours after his wife's death in 2014 and became acting department head.<ref name="radboud1"/> That same year, he was appointed to the [[Health Council of the Netherlands]], which advises the parliament and the government and has over 100 members.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.parlement.com/id/vlcvb5ne64zx/j_e_e_jan_keunen |title = Prof.Dr. J.E.E. (Jan) Keunen |access-date = 14 November 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Parlement.com |publisher = Parlementair Documentatie Centrum }}</ref> Keunen retired from the Radboud UMC in 2019 with his farewell lecture being planned for June 2020.<ref name="ek"/><ref name="ru"/> However, it was postponed by one year due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="ru">{{Cite web |url = https://www.ru.nl/over-ons/diensten-faciliteiten/vm/aula/virtuele-map/afscheidscollege-prof-dr-jan-keunen-vrijdag-12/ |title = Afscheidscollege prof. dr. Jan Keunen, vrijdag 12 juni 2020 om 16.15 uur |trans-title = Farewell lecture prof. dr. Jan Keunen, Friday 12 June 2020 |access-date = 14 November 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Radboud Universiteit |archive-date = 8 November 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108001443/https://www.ru.nl/over-ons/diensten-faciliteiten/vm/aula/virtuele-map/afscheidscollege-prof-dr-jan-keunen-vrijdag-12/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> Keunen was made an Officer in the [[Order of Orange-Nassau]] after his lecture in [[Saint Stephen's Church, Nijmegen|Saint Stephen's Church]] in Nijmegen.<ref name="omroep">{{Cite news |url = https://www.omroepgelderland.nl/nieuws/7117835/Oogprofessor-Jan-Keunen-neemt-afscheid-van-Radboudumc |website = [[Omroep Gelderland]] |access-date = 10 June 2021 |last = Van den Berg |first = Eva |title = Oogprofessor Jan Keunen neemt afscheid van Radboudumc |trans-title = Ophthalmologist Jan Keunen says farewell to Radboudumc |date = 4 June 2021 }}</ref>
During his career, he has called for a ban on the sale of [[consumer fireworks]] around [[New Year's Eve]], as accidents can cause major eye injuries. He has argued consumer fireworks should be replaced by organized displays. Besides, he has promoted the use of [[safety glasses]] while being close to fireworks.<ref>{{Cite news |title = Oogarts verrukt over steun voor vuurwerkverbod |trans-title = Eye doctor delighted by support fireworks ban |language = Dutch |date = 31 December 2015 |newspaper = De Gelderlander |page = 2 |last = De Cort |first = Wilma }}</ref> In 2014, he was one of the initiators of a manifesto against consumer fireworks, which has been signed by hundreds of thousands of individuals and organizations.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.nu.nl/binnenland/6021702/ruim-kwart-miljoen-mensen-steunen-petities-voor-vuurwerkverbod.html |website = [[NU.nl]] |access-date = 14 November 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 4 January 2020 |title = Ruim kwart miljoen mensen steunen petities voor vuurwerkverbod |trans-title = Over 250,000 people support petitions calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks }}</ref> Keunen has also warned against illegal [[laser pointer]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/op3/artikel/2026746-gevaarlijke-illegale-laserpennen-gewoon-te-koop.html |access-date = 14 November 2020 |language = Dutch |website = [[Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|NOS]] |title = Gevaarlijke illegale laserpennen gewoon te koop |trans-title = Dangerous illegal laser pens can just be bought |date = 25 March 2015 |last = Pruis |first = Anna }}</ref>
== Politics == Keunen has been a member of the VVD since about 1990 and a member of the party's health care network since the early 2000s.<ref name="ad2">{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/deze-vvd-er-strijdt-al-jaren-voor-vuurwerkverbod-bijna-hele-gezicht-van-die-man-was-weg~a4f8316c/ |website = AD |title = Deze VVD'er strijdt al jaren voor vuurwerkverbod: 'Bijna hele gezicht van die man was weg' |trans-title = This VVD member has been fighting for a fireworks ban for years: 'Almost his entire face was gone' |language = Dutch |access-date = 11 November 2020 |date = 10 January 2020 |last = Klaassen |first = Niels }}</ref><ref name="radboud2">{{Cite web |url = https://www.ru.nl/english/people/keunen-j/ |website = [[Radboud University]] |access-date = 13 November 2020 |title = Prof. J.E.E. Keunen (Jan) }}</ref> Besides, he was the chair of VVD Nijmegen starting in 2014 and became chair of the organization VVD [[Rijk van Nijmegen]] when the former chapter merged with a few others in 2016.<ref name="ek"/><ref>{{Cite press release |url = https://rijkvannijmegen.vvd.nl/nieuws/17672/vvd-lokaal-netwerk-rijk-van-nijmegen-opgericht |title = VVD Lokaal Netwerk Rijk van Nijmegen opgericht |trans-title = VVD Local Network Rijk van Nijmegen founded |website = VVD Lokaal Netwerk Rijk van Nijmegen |date = 25 November 2016 |access-date = 11 November 2020 |language = Dutch }}</ref> He remained its chair until January 2019, and he is still a board member of VVD Rijk van Nijmegen.<ref name="ek"/><ref name="ad2"/> During the [[2019 Dutch Senate election]], Keunen was placed fourteenth on the VVD's [[party list]].<ref name="ad2"/> He was not elected, as his party received 12 seats. Keunen was installed as senator on 26 October 2020 after [[Roel Wever]] had vacated his seat to accept the position of mayor of [[Heerlen]].<ref name="ad"/> Avine Fokkens-Kelder was higher on the list, but she declined the position.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.lc.nl/friesland/Gedeputeerde-Avine-Fokkens-bedankt-voor-VVD-lidmaatschap-Eerste-Kamer-26102561.html |title = Gedeputeerde Avine Fokkens bedankt voor VVD-lidmaatschap Eerste Kamer |trans-title = Deputy Avine Fokkers turns down VVD membership Senate |last = Van der Laan |first = Ton |website = [[Leeuwarder Courant]] |access-date = 1 November 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 12 October 2020 }}</ref> Keunen simultaneously left the Health Council.<ref name="ek"/> He did not run for [[2023 Dutch Senate election|re-election in May 2023]], and his term ended on 13 June.<ref name="ek"/><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.kiesraad.nl/adviezen-en-publicaties/proces-verbalen/2023/6/1/proces-verbaal-uitslag-eerste-kamerverkiezing-2023 |website = Dutch Electoral Council |title = Proces-verbaal uitslag Eerste Kamerverkiezing 2023 |trans-title = Records of the results of the 2023 Senate election |date = 1 June 2023 |language = nl |access-date = 19 September 2023 |format = PDF |pages = 14–17 }}</ref>
When the VVD was debating its stance against a proposed consumer fireworks ban in early 2025, Keunen presented a petition in support of such a ban signed by 450 members to member of parliament [[Ingrid Michon]].<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/02/06/bij-de-vvd-komen-de-bezwaren-tegen-een-vuurwerkverbod-vooral-vanuit-de-vuurwerkbranche-zelf-a4882303 |url-access = subscription |date = 7 February 2025 |last1 = Van de Ven |first1 = Liam |last2 = Adelaar |first2 = Menno |access-date = 9 February 2025 |language = nl |website = [[NRC (newspaper)|NRC]] |title = Bij de VVD komen de bezwaren tegen een vuurwerkverbod vooral vanuit de vuurwerkbranche zelf |trans-title = Within the VVD, most objections to a consumer fireworks ban are from the fireworks industry itself }}</ref>
=== Parliamentary committees === * Committee for the Interior and High Council of State/General Affairs and Royal Family * Committee for Immigration and Asylum/[[Justice and Home Affairs Council]] * Committee for Kingdom Relations * Committee for Health, Welfare and Sport<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.eerstekamer.nl/commissies?lid=vld3i4d3yhq1 |title = Lidmaatschappen J.E.E. Keunen |trans-title = Memberships J.E.E. Keunen |access-date = 14 November 2020 |website = Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal |language = Dutch }}</ref>
== Personal life == Keunen married divorce attorney Florence Lohuis (1961–2014) on 14 April 1989 in [[Montfoort]]. They have two children, Victor (1991) and Béatrice (1994).<ref name="book"/><ref name="radboud1"/> Keunen is a resident of [[Nijmegen]].<ref name="ek"/>
== Decorations == * [[Order of Orange-Nassau]] ** Officer <small>(4 June 2021)</small><ref name="omroep"/>
== Selected publications == * {{Cite journal |vauthors = Oosterhuis JA, Journée-de Korver HG, Keunen JE |date = February 1998 |title = Transpupillary thermotherapy: results in 50 patients with choroidal melanoma |journal = [[Archives of Ophthalmology]] |volume = 116 |issue = 2 |pages = 157–162 |doi = 10.1001/archopht.116.2.157 |pmid = 9488266 |doi-access = free }} * {{Cite journal |vauthors = Sommerburg O, Keunen JE, Bird AC, van Kuijk FJ |date = August 1998 |title = Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes |journal = [[British Journal of Ophthalmology]] |volume = 82 |issue = 8 |pages = 907–910 |pmc=1722697 | doi = 10.1136/bjo.82.8.907 |pmid = 9828775 |doi-access = free }} * {{Cite journal |vauthors = Boon CJ, den Hollander AI, Hoyng CB, Cremers FP, Klevering BJ |date = March 2008 |title = The spectrum of retinal dystrophies caused by mutations in the peripherin/RDS gene |journal = Progress in Retinal and Eye Research |volume = 27 |issue = 2 |pages = 213–235 |doi = 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2008.01.002 |pmid = 18328765 |s2cid = 31756424 }} * {{Cite journal |vauthors = Boon CJ, Klevering BJ, Leroy BP, Hoyng CB, Keunen JE, den Hollander AI |date = May 2009 |title = The spectrum of ocular phenotypes caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene |journal = Progress in Retinal and Eye Research |volume = 28 |issue = 3 |pages = 187–205 |doi = 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2009.04.002 |pmid = 19375515 |s2cid = 22339729 }}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Members of the Senate of the Netherlands, 2019–23|state=collapsed}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Keunen, Jan}} [[Category:1954 births]] [[Category:21st-century Dutch politicians]] [[Category:Dutch ophthalmologists]] [[Category:Academic staff of Leiden University]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Members of the Senate (Netherlands)]] [[Category:Officers of the Order of Orange-Nassau]] [[Category:Politicians from Nijmegen]] [[Category:People's Party for Freedom and Democracy senators]] [[Category:Radboud University Nijmegen alumni]] [[Category:Academic staff of Radboud University Nijmegen]] [[Category:Utrecht University alumni]]