Obituary: Mike Port

OT  is sad to report the death of contact lens expert and academic, Mike Port. He is remembered by his colleague, David Edgar.

“With the passing of Mike Port, optometry has lost one of its foremost educators and contact lens specialists.

“Mike completed his diploma in ophthalmic optics at Northampton College of Advanced Technology in 1963, shortly before it became City University. He went on to practise in Blandford, Dorset until the late 1970s. Whilst in practice, Mike contributed to both the work of the AOP and his local optical committee (LOC). During this time, he was awarded both an MSC in Methods of Ophthalmic Investigation from Aston University and his diploma in contact lens practice (DCLP).

“In 1979, Mike’s passion for contact lenses led him to the post of senior ophthalmic optician in the contact lens department at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Towards the end of his time at Moorfields, Mike’s talent as a contact lens researcher was acknowledged when he received the prestigious British Contact Lens Association’s Dallos Award.

“Mike’s career took a new direction when he joined the academic staff in the optometry department at City University in 1983. A gifted and enthusiastic teacher, Mike revelled in this new role teaching contact lenses and clinical skills to a generation of City undergraduates. Students loved Mike’s teaching and he was invariably generous with his time if anyone had queries requiring further explanation.

“In addition to teaching, carrying out contact lens research leading to a PhD, and publishing widely in contact lens practice and research, Mike still found time to take an active role in professional optometric activities. He was elected a College of Optometrists’ councillor in the 1980s, and was honoured to serve a term as College president in the early 1990s. Even in retirement Mike was one of a stalwart group of experts who contributed to the development of British and international contact lens standards, only withdrawing from this activity in recent months when diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Mike was a wonderful colleague, who was admired and respected by all who knew him.”

He is survived by his wife Yvonne, daughter Eleanor and three grandchildren.