Updated - Monday, August 1, 2022 More News
John de Carle has an amazing history that few in the contact lens world are truly aware of. Thanks to the diligence of contact lens historian, Timothy Bowden, who sadly died in 2017 whilst fund raising for VAO on his bike, I am able to present this obituary notice as a testimony not only to John but to Tim’s work also. If you wish to read up ‘’Contact Lenses: The Story ‘’ then please borrow a copy from any ISCLS member as it is awarded to them as an ISCLS membership benefit in memory of Doctor Theo Gumpelmayer.
John’s 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 during his life. 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 1960’s to his most innovative success with the creation of Permalens through the 1970’s and 1980’s. His contribution was recognised by the British Contact Lens Association at the Pioneers Lecture in 2006 with honorary life membership. His work has always been revered by his colleagues of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialist of which he had always been an active member.