Obituary: Karen Sparrow
The late Karen Sparrow, who “made a real difference”
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) has paid the following tribute to Karen Sparrow, who sadly passed away on 4 January 2022.
The Master and Wardens are very sorry to have received the news from her family of the death of Liveryman Karen Sparrow on 4 January 2022, at the age of just 53.
There are few people in optics who would not have come across Karen. Her professional journey included time as an optometrist in practice, promoting education and professional support at the Association of Optometrists, communications and outward facing roles, mentoring, lecturing, and promoting continuing development as a fellow of both the American and the European Academy of Optometry and a member of the World Council of Optometry. She was also a ‘games-maker’ at the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Many came to know Karen through her work as a volunteer trainer and Africa lead for Vision Aid Overseas. She led team visits to Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia and Botswana, helping to provide sustainable eye health solutions with local partners. Building on her passion for better eye health in Africa, and her Master’s studies in public health for eyecare, her final professional role was as global programme manager for Peek Vision, the social enterprise rolling out technological solutions for diagnosis of vision impairment and access to eye health in less advantaged areas of the world.
Karen was overjoyed when a programme of children’s vision screening in schools in Botswana was announced to have government support in late 2017, something on which she had worked for years. Her role with Peek was a great fit, combining her technological curiosity, her constant concern for people less fortunate than herself and her professional passion for better vision for all.
Karen became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in 2001, moving up to the Livery in 2005. She was a vital and active force within the Membership Committee and her efforts have borne fruit in recent years in an increasingly diverse and international membership.
She was so proud to be a member of the Company and played an important role in explaining its modern purpose and exploding many of the myths about the Livery. She co-ordinated and spearheaded social media efforts. Even when the decline in her health meant she could not herself take part in the 2021 Lord Mayor’s Show, she was at the centre of the social media hub, pulling the team together and posting messages across all channels from her hospital bed.
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2017 was completely unexpected for someone so active and full of life. She faced up to it with the same character, and desire to understand and explain, that she brought to every challenge. She was committed to equality and was amused to think of herself as the first person to wear a headwrap with a Court gown, during chemotherapy treatment.
Her family have spoken of her awe-inspiring energy and humour and have asked us all to “be more Karen” – to live life to the full, with kindness.
Every day for Karen presented an opportunity to delight in new discoveries as well as finding more ways to pass on her own significant knowledge. She epitomised community spirit in every part of her life and her loss will be keenly felt within the Company and right across the world.
The Master of the Company, Ian Davies, said: “Karen was one of the most selfless, enthusiastic and positive people I have ever met. She made a real difference to vision through many organisations and countries. We will miss her presence, but we know that her spirit will remain with us.”
Vision Aid Overseas has also paid its own tribute to Karen, which can be read on its website here.