Obituary - Tony Phillips

Dispensing optician Anthony (Tony) Phillips died on December 21 after a short illness, aged 81.

After qualifying and serving in the armed forces, he and a partner set up prescription house Alecto Optical and in 1968 became a director of Archer-Elliott in Birmingham where he oversaw the design, development and production of sight testing and diagnostic equipment.

After 16 years Phillips set up a dispensing practice in Somerset while continuing to design and sell ophthalmic equipment. After retiring, he moved to Fareham and provided an in-house glazing service for optical practices and glazed monocles for the theatre. He was also an assessor of the NVQs for spectacle technicians, and co-wrote the technical text for the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers level 2 qualifications with Jennifer Chaston, who described his knowledge of the UK optical industry as 'enormous'.

He was the first tutor for this SMC course and his practical skills in glazing 'could not be beaten', said Chaston. Phillips, who leaves a wife, son and stepson, was described as a gentle man who liked a straight answer.