Optical connections: A family of heroes

For those within optics, the word ‘Chavasse’ is mostly synonymous with a frosted lens (although a Chavasse lens is of superior cosmetic appearance). But what a story lies behind that little-considered item! In fact this occluder bears the name of an ophthalmic surgeon who also edited a classic text book, devised new surgical instruments and committed at least one act of outstanding bravery during the First World War. Yet even his wartime exploits were outshone by one of the brothers in his quite extraordinary family.

Francis Bernard Chavasse (known as Bernard) was born on December 2, 1889, the second youngest of a family of seven children that contained two sets of twins. The family name derived from a French ancestor who had come to England and become involved in the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion. Although a Roman Catholic, within two generations the family had converted to Protestantism. The Church figured prominently in the Chavasse family, with Bernard’s father becoming Bishop of Liverpool and instilling a strong Christian faith in his offspring. Surgeons featured prominently too, while other members went into the Army and the Law. Medicine and the military were to feature in Bernard’s life, as also they were to combine heroically – and tragically – for his older brother, Noel.