Professor Sir Eric Thomas
15 November 2023
(1953 - 2023)
Everyone at Moorfields Eye Charity is immensely saddened by the death of Professor Sir Eric Thomas. Eric made an enormous contribution to our work, as a trustee and as chair of our fundraising committee. His decades of experience in the worlds of medicine and higher education gave him a unique insight into the work that we do and throughout his time with us he shared his extensive knowledge and his considerable wisdom with characteristic generosity, common sense and humour. He was held in great affection by all of us as a very valued colleague and friend, and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
Mervyn Walker, chair of the board of trustees
We’re very saddened to hear the news of Professor Sir Eric Thomas’ passing.
Eric had been a trustee of the charity and chair of the charity’s fundraising committee since 2017. We are very grateful for his expertise, time and commitment to Moorfields Eye Charity, helping us develop into the successful organisation we are today.
He was also a member of the charity’s Oriel committee, working with our partners Moorfields and UCL to help guide the development of the advanced centre for eye health which is due to open in 2027.
Eric was previously the vice chancellor of the University of Bristol. Prior to that he was dean of medicine and life sciences at the University of Southampton and a distinguished academic researcher.
In 2004 he published the Thomas Report for the Government on fundraising in higher education.
If you’d like to pass on a message to Eric’s family, please email Beata Berkes b.berkes@nhs.net PA to Robert Dufton, chief executive, Moorfields Eye Charity
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