Ron Loveridge, professional services manager at CIBA Vision, has died aged 59, following a short illness. His career in the contact lens industry spanned 30 years.
Loveridge qualified in dispensing optics from City College in 1966, gaining his CL Hons in 1968. He worked with Theodore Hamblin in various contact lens fitting roles before joining solutions manufacturer Contactasol in 1977 as group technical manager. 
CooperVision bought Contactasol and in 1985 he became professional relations manager at the new company, continuing the role after acquisitions by Pilkington Barnes Hind and then Wesley Jessen.
Loveridge remained in his position until 2000 when the company was bought by CIBA Vision, where he became professional services manager. He represented CIBA Vision UK at high-profile events, organised the Specialist Club meetings and arranged clinical trials.
He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators, a member of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians' contact lens committee, and in 1993 he was president of the British Contact Lens Association.
He published and lectured extensively and invented the Loveridge grid, which assesses the tear film.
CIBA Vision head of professional affairs Marcella McParland said: 'Ron was always enthusiastic and willing to do his best. He was so kind and gentle, had a wealth of knowledge in all contact lens matters and had a particular interest and passion for specialist lens fitting.'