Obituary: Professor Geoffrey Vernon Ball

Aston University was sad to report the news that former academic Professor Geoffrey Vernon Ball passed away on March 27. He was described by a friend as 'a great advocate of our profession'.

Professor Ball joined Aston in 1951 and was the first full-time lecturer in ophthalmic optics outside of London.

An independent Department of Ophthalmic Optics was established in 1968 and Professor Ball made head of department. He was then raised to the rank of professor in April 1970 and remained in post until 1981.

In the 1970s, Professor Ball helped pioneer a full-time two-week work experience course for Aston students in NHS hospitals. ‘Our condolences are with the family,’ a statement by the university added.