14 February 2025
Optometrist Thomas George Bond (Tom Bond), a past chairman of the AOP, has died at the age of 96.
Here, Tom is remembered by his daughter Jennifer.
“Tom Bond qualified as an ophthalmic optician at Northampton Polytechnic, London (now the City St George’s). There he met a fellow student Brenda Hiorns, who would go on to become his wife. They married shortly after qualifying.
“Tom’s first job was as senior optometrist at Ipswich Eye Hospital. In 1956 with their daughter Jennifer, Tom and Brenda moved to Nottingham, where Tom, in his mid-20s, was appointed head of the ophthalmic department at the Nottingham Eye Infirmary – he was the youngest in the country at that time.
“In Nottingham, Tom and Brenda built up a successful independent group of five practices called Thomas Bond and Partners. Their daughter Jennifer qualified as an optometrist at City University, and joined her parents in practice.
“Tom was active in local optical politics, becoming chairman of the Notts and Derby Local Optical Society, and the Local Optical Committee. He was national chairman of the AOP between 1991–1992, and also a regional information officer, which led to many appearances on television and radio. Tom and Brenda represented the profession at Buckingham Palace at a Royal Garden Party.
“Tom was awarded honorary membership of the AOP in 1998. He was a fellow of the British College of Optometry and the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. He was also a Freeman of the City of London.
“Sadly, Brenda died in 1995, but Tom went on to meet Terry Williams, an administrator at the AOP. They married in 1996.
“Tom’s passions outside of optics were sport and music. He was a keen golfer and played every day of his adult life well into his 80s.
“He loved his work as an optometrist and found meeting people from all walks of life endlessly fascinating. He continued working into his 80s. He and Terry then enjoyed a long and happy retirement together.”
Comments (2)
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Christinepurslow128 February 2025
So sad to read this - I spent Friday afternoons at Bonds during my hospital pre-reg, and 'Mr Bond' was an inspiration - so passionate about optometry and eyecare.
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DavidS18 February 2025
Tom was a real gentleman. Sending thoughts and condolences to Terry, his family and friends.
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