12 August 2018
The founding president of the College of Optometrists, Dr Philip Cole, celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday.
Director of research at the College of Optometrists, Mike Bowen, congratulated Dr Cole on the celebration of his centenary.
“The College owes him a great deal and this is a chance to remind members of the commitment he has given to the College and the profession, especially to fostering research within optometry in the UK,” he said.
Dr Cole became a member of the British Optical Association in 1944 and in 1980, Dr Cole became the founding president of the College of Optometrists.
He served on the College Council and also worked as the College’s professional adviser. Today, Dr Cole is a College fellow.
Throughout his career, Dr Cole has been a supporter of practice-based research and was an advocate of the development of the College’s postgraduate research funding programme.
The College’s practice-based research award is named the Philip Cole Award in recognition of his advocacy for developing optometrists as researchers.
He is also the co-author of the first volume of the History of the College of Optometrists, which documented the College’s support for research.
Professor Bruce Evans, who operates the practice that Dr Cole founded over 70 years ago, said: “Dr Cole’s pursuit of clinical excellence established an ethos that still defines our practice today and his influence is still felt in the broader profession. As in his work at the College, Philip’s foresight and leadership have influenced generations of optometrists. We all wish Phil congratulations and our best wishes on his 100th birthday.”
Image credit: Getty
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