David Mitchell, who died on June 5 in Vancouver at the age of 94, was an excellent teacher. Of all the lecturers at the then Northampton Polytechnic, he was the one who made the deepest impression on students. A charismatic personality, Mr Mitchell never left one in doubt that nothing less than a complete professional, clinical approach was exercised while he was in charge.
He was a man of few words and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subjects he taught - the use of drugs in refraction and ocular pathology. Sitting through his lectures was like sitting through an examination, watching the clock and taking in as much as possible in the time given. He wanted the best out of his students and he always gave his best to achieve his goal. You had to admire him.
Kusoom Vadgama
London NW11
was deeply saddened when I heard of the death of David Mitchell. I had known him since I was 12, first as my optician, then as my employer. I was his receptionist from 1946 until 1955.
It was both an education and a pleasure to be associated with his work for so many years.
Betty Mendoza
Bromley, Kent