One of the great drivers of contact lens innovation, John de Carle, has died at the age of 96.
The first president of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), he pioneered the creation of soft permanent contact lenses and brought improved vision to people throughout the world.
Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive of the BCLA, said: “John de Carle was a true visionary whose determination to produce game-changing innovations made a life-changing difference to millions.
“His contribution to the contact lens industry was significant and all-encompassing due to his enthusiasm to improve on products and he was involved in many aspects of the business.”
John came up with the idea of producing a soft permanent contact lens using complex polymers and contact lens solutions.
Luke added: “His involvement in the development of designs and materials dramatically affected the early pioneering days of contact lenses from his bifocal patent in the early 1960s to his most innovative success with the creation of Permalens through the 1970s and 1980s.
“He was our first President back in 1977 and his contribution was recognised by the BCLA at the Pioneers Lecture in 2006 with honorary life membership. His work has always been revered by his colleagues and the contact lens profession has lost a legend.”
He qualified as an optometrist at Northampton Polytechnical College in London. In 1945 he was called up by the RAF to work in their hospitals, before moving into his own practice in Bond Street, London.
John died peacefully in his sleep on June 27. A funeral service was held at Guildford Crematorium on Wednesday, July 27. Donations can be made to Cancer Research UK.