Obituary: Roger Pope FBDO
The late Roger Pope
It is with sadness we report the death of Roger Pope – described as one of the most admired of UK opticians. The holder of two Royal Warrants, Roger sadly passed away on Sunday 21 April in Kent leaving a legacy as one of the greatest colleagues and friends to the optical community.
His eponymous practice in New Cavendish Street, founded in 1987, in the heart of the Harley Street area of London, was established to meet the most complex dispensing needs of private ophthalmologists. It soon developed to a fully serviced practice with a team of optometrists and dispensing opticians.
The practice welcomes clients from all over the world, who enjoy the luxurious environment while receiving expert and friendly advice on all their eyecare needs.
Respected for his quality of service, and discretion, Roger first received the Royal Warrant by Appointment to HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 and by Appointment to HRH Prince Charles in 2014.
Roger and his longstanding team of colleagues took part in the Coronation Festival in 2013 – a joyful celebration of excellence, as Roger said at the time: “The setting of the superbly tended Buckingham Palace gardens created the mood of excellence. Our eyewear and sunglasses were featured on the catwalk models, providing relief from the bright sunlight during the beautiful summer days. Many attending the show and spectacular gala evening concerts took time to discuss their visual requirements.
“We are delighted to welcome new patients to the practice since the Coronation Festival and are reassured that they have found the same high level of professional care that they can expect to receive from all Royal Warrant Holders.”
Roger’s wife and soulmate, Linda, who he met at City & East London College died in 2019. They both qualified in 1970 and were married the following year, living in Datchet and later Kent. Linda had her own practice in Hawkhurst, Kent, near to where they lived. They leave behind a son and a daughter and three grandchildren.
Longstanding friend, Frank Norville OBE, commented: “I always regarded Roger as the doyen of dispensing opticians, yet he was devoid of any airs and graces that he might have assimilated from a lifetime spent with the great and the good of London’s retail West End and the medics of Harley Street. With a great memory, he had a fine manner with clients and suppliers alike. A meeting with Roger was something people always looked forward to. Roger was always happy to discuss and integrate latest ophthalmic technologies even while providing very traditional services to his clientele. Roger made thousands of friends along his lifetime optical journey.”
Roger’s practice will continue in the same professional manner and uphold his principles. Business partner and practice director, Priti Kotecha, said: “Roger’s loss is deeply felt by the entire team, with many having worked with him for over 25 years, and those that had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of passion for providing the best eyecare with kindness, integrity, professionalism, and compassion will continue to inspire us for many years to come.”
With thanks to Janice English.