Optometrist Michael Banes, remembered as ‘a charming and courteous gentleman with a sense of humour’ who always put his patients first, has died at the age of 67.
He was described as a pioneer of optometrists, working in hospital glaucoma clinics including at Moorfields Eye Hospital from 1968.
A tribute by Moorfields said he was one of the Trust’s longest serving members of staff.
The statement added: ‘Throughout his Moorfields career Michael developed a particular interest in glaucoma and led the way in optometrists working in glaucoma clinics. He was the first optometrist at Moorfields to work in an extended role capacity alongside clinic doctors.
‘Initially he performed this work voluntarily as he was so passionate about learning and developing the role of optometrists. The legacy of this aspect of his work is evident: today over 50 sessions per week are being provided by optometrists.
‘Michael’s enthusiasm for learning continued throughout his career. He recently qualified as an independent prescriber, and was planning on taking the new higher qualifications in glaucoma. He was working on further developing the roles of optometrists in the clinic when he became ill.
‘Michael also worked in the low vision, primary care and refraction clinics, where his experience and efficiency were admired by colleagues. He was heavily involved in teaching and supervising junior staff and pre-registration optometrists at the hospital and at the Institute of optometry. Michael was also expert in the optometric management of binocular vision problems.’
He opened his own practice in Balham, South London in 1971, and was a longstanding supporter and friend of the Institute of Optometry where he was a member of the Board for over 20 years, and was chairman for many years, a Trustee of the International Glaucoma Association and member of the IGA medical and scientific advisory committee. He served on the Council of the College of Optometrists from 1993 to 2005 and was chairman of the Professional Development and Standards committee. Outside the profession he enjoyed skiing, tennis, music and dance.