Sir Harold Ridley spent his working career at St Thomas' and Moorfields Hospital specialising in ophthalmology. During World War II, Ridley saw Royal Air Force casualties with eye injuries and observed that when splinters of acrylic plastic from aircraft cockpit canopies became lodged in their eyes, this did not trigger inflammatory rejection as did glass splinters leading him to propose the use of artificial lenses made of Perspex in the eye, to treat cataract.
On 29 November 1949 at St Thomas' Hospital, Harold Ridley achieved the first implant of an intraocular lens, although it was not until 8 February 1950 that he left an artificial lens permanently in place in an eye.
Trends in Opthalmology are honouring this great achievement by holding a Grand Ball in his honour. The Ball, at the Royal Society London takes place on Friday 6 February and will be attended by Professor David Spalton and Mr Michael Sanders - both Fellows of Sir Harold - along with the Ridley Foundation and Sir Harold's grandson and wife Nicholas and Loretta Ridley. The faculty of Trends in Ophthalmology, along with other dignitaries, will be on the roll of honoured guests.
The congress invites all delegates to join this prestigious, very special occasion.
Thursday 6th February - 7.15pm Drinks Reception - 8pm Dinner
Dress Code: Black Tie/Dress to Impress - Tickets are £75
Royal Society, London
Click here to buy your ticket
