Aston University is holding a two-day conference to mark the retirement of Professor Bernard Gilmartin this summer.
Speakers from around the world, including Neville McBrien (Australia), Carly Lam (Hong Kong), John Phillips (New Zealand), Christine Wildsoet and Mark Bullimore (US), will join leading UK academics for the event.
Gilmartin's career spanned 37 years. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed papers, mostly specialising in accommodation, autonomic function and myopia, subjects in which he is recognised as a leading authority.
Dr Leon Davies of Aston University said: 'To celebrate Bernard's many contributions to optometry and ophthalmic research, the Ophthalmic Research Group at Aston University is organising a two-day conference on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 September 2011. In addition, there will be an evening meal in Bernard's honour on the Wednesday.'
A special Festschrift issue of the journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics will also be published to commemorate the event. To register, visit the BernFest website (www.aston.ac.uk/bernfest). Conference registration is £60, which includes a delegate pack, lunch, refreshments and dinner on the 14th. The deadline for registration is July 8.
Optician clinical editor Bill Harvey commented: 'To a whole generation of optometrists studying through the 80s and 90, Bernard was one of those rare lecturers who kept you interested, helped you understand even the most challenging of topics, and inspired you to further learning.'