Harold E. Davis, O.D., passed away at age 98. Dr. Davis established one of the first U.S. contact lens specialty practices and practiced optometry for almost three-quarters of a century, retiring recently.

“My father lived through the renaissance of contact lenses, bringing to the profession gas permeable and hydrophilic contact lenses,” notes Robert Davis, O.D., who, along with his son, Jason, practiced with him at Davis Eyecare in Oak Lawn, Ill. “He was an educator to thousands of practitioners, investigator for most of the lenses used today and a consultant to the major contact lens manufacturers... Optometry was his life.”

Jason Davis, O.D., says he remembers his grandfather as “a great storyteller, a visionary thinker and, most importantly, a valued mentor to many in the field,” including him. “I had the honor to work alongside him for the last 15 years of his life.”

Harold E. Davis was past president of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists; awarded the Achievement Award from the American Optometric Association Contact Lens & Cornea Section; the Lifetime Service Award from the Illinois College of Optometry; and the Distinguished Practitioner recognition from the National Academies of Practice. OM