It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Carolyn Calcutt, the former Chair of BIOS from 1974 to 1981. Carolyn had a long and distinguished career in orthoptics and was a true leader in the field, having a direct influence on the careers of many orthoptists across the UK.
Carolyn trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road and then worked at the Royal Eye Hospital in Southwark. In 1973 Carolyn became Head Orthoptist at the Charing Cross Hospital, the post most orthoptists associate her with, where she remained, increasing the reputation of the hospital for research teaching and clinical excellence, until 2006. During this time she was also the Orthoptist at the Arnott Eye Centre in Harley Street. She was always keen to increase her knowledge; was one of only 3 British Orthoptists to be a Jampolsky fellow, and spent time with Alan Scott in the USA.
Carolyn was a keen supporter, and presenter at national and international conferences including ISA, ESA and AAPOS. She worked hard for BOS. She was chair from 1974 to 1981, continued her support as it became BIOS, and was the chair of the Orthoptic Benevolent Fund for many years.
In 1989 she wrote this about her trip to South Africa: “In the end we restored sight to something approaching 150 people allowing them to have a useful role in the family and village. I collected a few cases for my study into untreated infantile esotropia, but what does a strabismus matter when you don’t have food or electricity and it’s a daily 1 hour trek to get water? I met some inspiring people and witnessed at first hand how too many people exist in appalling poverty. It was a brilliant experience to be a very small part of a team which had actually achieved something for people who were prepared to walk for several days and queue for hours just to be seen. An unforgettable trip which may not have added to my orthoptic credentials but hopefully added to my personal development!”
Her work taught us that squint surgery should not be rushed into in the developing world if no Orthoptist is on hand to prevent amblyopia. She was a major contributor to the orthoptic literature on infantile Esotropia.
Carolyn was honoured by the IOA giving the Burian lecture in 1981, and in 1992 she was honoured in Australia giving the Patricia Lance lecture. In 1997 she was given the BIOS Fellowship Award, our highest commendation.
From 2006 she was involved with NRAS organising meetings lectures and support for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease she always bore bravely.
She made a huge impact in the orthoptic world contributing to orthoptic knowledge both in the UK and the developing world. Her presence and constant championing of the orthoptic profession will be missed but her teaching and research should go forward for orthoptic generations to come.
Liz Tomlin and Rowena McNamara