Optometrist Leonard Gibbison Hillier F.B.C.O died on March 11 aged 79 following a short illness.
Hillier leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Jill, son Stephen, daughter Claire and two grandsons, Joshua and Nathan.
A dedicated optometrist, Hillier started his career in optics with Frederick Bateman in the early 50’s and was admitted to the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in September 1959. He later joined the Ronald Brown group in the early 60’s where amongst other things he managed several successful practices for the group and had responsibility for the group’s contact lens business. During this time Hillier pioneered the development of many transformational strategies, clinical and commercial, through to successful implementation. Later, many of these ground breaking programmes were emulated by others.
‘It was at this point that I had the good fortune to be responsible for looking after Mr Hillier and the Ronald Brown group for Bausch and Lomb,’ said Nick Loan. ‘Mr Hillier soon became ‘Len’. Len became my friend and mentor, a wise man whom I respected and continue to respect. He was willing to help educate an enthusiastic youngster. Len was my go-to for independent, impartial clinical advice. A service I availed myself of regularly.’
Hillier went on to open his own successful practices, North Harrow and Pinner in Middlesex. ‘It was at the occasion of The Bausch and Lomb Global Symposium on Vision Correction in Monte Carlo on 5th April 2003 that Len had been selected by an international expert panel to be the recipient of the prestigious Bausch and Lomb award for Contribution to Optics and Unselfish Dedication to Patients. I was asked to present the award, a privilege that I cherish to this day. As I called Len forward onto the stage into the spot light, that he had so often chosen to avoid, assembled delegates applauded enthusiastically. An audible measure of the popularity and respect he garnered from his peers.’
Hillier was an active member of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and regularly attended conferences, always seeking the latest scientific information and staying abreast of new developments. He continued to practice in North Harrow until he retired in 2014. During his long and illustrious career he had looked after the visual needs of celebrities, members of the public and sporting heroes alike including the England rugby team. Len was a keen sportsman himself, President of the Middlesex Football Referees Association for 15 years; chairman for 12 years and an examiner for over 20 years. He was appointed as life vice president of the Association in recognition of his outstanding service.
‘Len had the sharpest of wits and a wonderful dry humour. To spend time in his company was a pleasure, something I had the good fortune to experience regularly pre and post his retirement over the past 30 years,’ said Loan. ‘He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. Our condolences go to his wife Jill their children Stephen, Claire and all the family.’