Barrie R Jones

Professor Barrie R Jones, who died on Wednesday 19 August, had a profound influence on modern ophthalmology and the pursuit of eye health worldwide.

As well as excellent clinical judgment and fine surgical skills, Barrie Jones had a highly developed sense of curiosity and would allow no obstacle to stand in his way. Professor Norman Ashton, head of the department of pathology at the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, is alleged to have described him as being “like an oak tree growing up through concrete.”

In 1963, New Zealand born Barrie Jones was appointed to the prestigious academic post of professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of London. He was quickly able to identify the areas of ophthalmology where advances needed to be made and where advances were feasible.

Professor Douglas Coster—a visiting fellow from Australia, later professor of ophthalmology at Flinders University, Adelaide—worked with Jones in the Cornea and External Disease Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London: “The ability to focus intently on important and emerging issues and to get to a point of tangible contribution quickly was one of Professor Jones’ attributes. He established several groups that were international leaders in fungal, viral, and chlamydial …