It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of  John Sloper, a former Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

John’s distinguished career was marked by his unwavering dedication to the study and treatment of strabismus and amblyopia. He studied medicine at Oxford and in London, before spending several years in basic vision science research. Following his ophthalmology training, John completed a fellowship in strabismus at Moorfields, where he gained his passion for paediatric ophthalmology.

In 1996, John was appointed Consultant to the Strabismus and Paediatric Service at Moorfields. Alongside his clinical work, he maintained a strong commitment to research, focusing on amblyopia and visual development. He played a key role in a UK multi-centre, randomised controlled trial of surgery in children with intermittent exotropia, contributing significantly to the evidence base guiding modern practice.

Even after his retirement, John continued to share his knowledge and expertise as an Honorary Consultant, lecturing and educating internationally. His leadership extended beyond the UK — he served as President of the European Strabismological Association from 2013 to 2023, a role in which he was widely admired and respected. He also devoted time to charitable missions in China, reflecting his deep commitment to improving eye care globally.

Many orthoptic colleagues will remember John as an advocate for our profession. Anna Horwood fondly recalled how John would often begin a conversation with the words, “Ah, Anna, I have a question for you,” having been mulling over some issue involving the obscurer alleyways of binocular vision. He was a strabismologist who loved the deep theory as well as the practice.

John will be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues, and the wider orthoptic and ophthalmic community. Our sincere condolences go to John’s wife, Myra, his family, and all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.