It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend Alison Wakeham.

Alison was a calm, kind person who always had time for anyone who needed a chat or advice. She shared her wealth of experience with all of us, for which we will be eternally grateful. She made a positive impact on every aspect of the Orthoptic service during her 37 years in Exeter. Alison was highly respected by the wider ophthalmology and general paediatric teams in Exeter and Devon.

Alison moved to Cardiff in 1981 to study Orthoptics in Cardiff. In the autumn of 1982, the clinical teachers awarded Alison the Prize for year one-the prize givers was Sir Geraint Evans, the Welsh Opera Singer! After qualifying as an Orthoptist, she had several locum positions in Portsmouth and Truro before settling in Exeter around 1985. Her base was the West of England Eye Infirmary Exeter. At the infirmary, she showed her love of being sociable by taking part in Eye infirmary volleyball and badminton, making many long-lasting friendships.

Alison continued her career in Exeter when the eye infirmary closed and moved to the main hospital building in 1992 and in her later career specialised in special educational needs, working in special schools and paediatric assessment centres. She was particularly knowledgeable about cortical visual impairment and passionate about spreading awareness of the condition, making a real difference to many children’s lives as a result.

Alison will be dearly missed by all who knew her and our thoughts are with her family and friends.