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W. Neil Charman, PhD, DSc

W. Neil Charman, PhD, DSc

Following doctoral and postdoctoral work on visual microscopy at Imperial College, London, Neil moved first to Canada where he worked on photographic systems and then 2 years later returned to UK and Harwell where he spent 6 years pursuing a wide range of high-energy astrophysical studies. In 1970, he moved to Manchester, and UMIST, where he has happily resided ever since. Over the years, Neil has carried out a broad range of fundamental research on visual optics, accommodation, instrumentation, and many aspects of applied vision, all of which has had an enormous influence on a generation of researchers and clinicians. Nonetheless, he has still found time to be the founding editor of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, and experience the thrill of being Head of the Department of Optometry and Neuroscience. Neil was also instrumental in introducing two 4-year courses – Master of Optometry and the Master of Neuroscience. For all his important work on behalf of the optometric profession, Neil was made an Honorary Fellow of the College of Optometrists.