Michael JohnROPER-HALLMichael John Roper-Hall died peacefully on May 3 aged 100, after a long and illustrious career as a pioneer in ophthalmic surgery. He introduced many innovations during his career, mentored hundreds of budding young surgeons, and operated on thousands of grateful patients.
He was born and raised in Birmingham, educated at King Edwards School and Birmingham University Medical School and then trained in ophthalmology at Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital. He did National Service as a major in the RAMC, training in Aldershot and deploying to Egypt as the only ophthalmologist!
He returned to Birmingham becoming the youngest consultant ophthalmologist appointed aged 28, at Bromsgrove General Hospital, then later at BMEH and other local hospitals. Michael embraced the concept of international cooperation, sharing research and ideas with colleagues in other countries, forming many life-long friendships. Throughout his life (often with his wife) he travelled the globe to give invited lectures and attend conferences, furthering this cooperation.
Michael declined prestigious offers to practice in London and abroad, preferring to focus his expertise on patients in the West Midlands. An excellent teacher and researcher, he established the Birmingham Eye Foundation in 1968 which he chaired with Sir Adrian Cadbury to promote eye research. In 2018 its name was changed to the Roper-Hall Eye Foundation to recognise Michael's years of commitment.
Michael was a passionate sailor, enjoying well-earned time off with family and friends as crew. He loved to spend family time in Wales (his mother was Welsh), climbing the mountains, or enjoying beach days. He was an enthusiastic squash player (playing until he was 90!). He was also a wonderful ballroom dancer and keen photographer.
Michael will be missed by his wife Sheila, also 100, married for 78 years, his children Gillian, Richard (d.2023), Alison, Peter and their families including 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: also a cousin, 6 nieces and their families.
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