25 November 2011

Dr Gary Baker

Dr Gary Baker, a senior lecturer at City University's Department of Optometry and Visual Science, has died aged 59.

Having obtained a BSc in experimental psychology from the University of Sussex, he completed an MSc in Neurophysiology, then a PhD from London Guildhall University in 1987. This was followed by 12 years researching mammalian vision in world-leading laboratories, before joining City in 1999. He went on to take the role of BSc optometry programme director in 2004, then coordinating student participation in the Foundation Degree in ophthalmic dispensing run in collaboration with City Islington College.

Ron Douglas, professor of visual science at City, said of Dr Baker joining the department: 'He soon acquired a reputation as an inspired and inspiring teacher of ocular and visual anatomy and function. He was enormously popular among our students, being a frequent nominee for University Teaching Prizes voted for by the student body, which he deservedly won two years ago.'

Dr Baker's family have set up a tribute page with Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and all donations made through this page will go towards equipment for the Ophthalmology department. The page can be accessed using the following web address www.gosh.org/gen/gary-baker

● A full obituary by Professor Douglas will in Optician appear next week.