In Memoriam NEWS & EVENTS

Remembering Dr. Sohan Singh Hayreh

It was with great sadness that we learned of Dr. Sohan Singh Hayreh’s passing this fall. He and his wife, Shelagh, decided to venture out for the first time in three years. They went to Maine, where the youngest of their two sons and their grandchildren reside. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID, and despite vaccination and booster, the viral infection led to respiratory failure. Dr. Hayreh was on a ventilator and life support for the last week, and despite heroic medical efforts, he went into multi-organ failure and succumbed to the effects of the virus.

To learn more about how philanthropic support helps advance the work of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and UI Institute for Vision Research, please contact:

Katie Sturgell

Senior Director of Development Institute for Vision Research

Katie.sturgell@foriowa.org

319-467-3756

Frank Descourouez

Associate Director of Development

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Frank.descourouez@foriowa.org

319-467-3672

Jedd Spidell

Assistant Director of Development

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences jedd.spidell@foriowa.org

319-467-3342

The University of Iowa Center for Advancement

P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550

319-335-3305 or 800-648-6973

The UI acknowledges the University of Iowa Center for Advancement as the preferred channel for private contributions that benefit all areas of the university. For more information or to donate in support of the eye program, visit the secure website at Givetoiowa.org/eye

As an authority on ocular and optic nerve circulation, vascular disorders of the eye, and giant cell arteritis, Dr. Hayreh made extensive contributions to basic, experimental, and clinical ophthalmology. The research he conducted during this time and as a lecturer in Clinical Ophthalmology at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London would make him a pioneer in the field of fluorescein angiography.

In 1972 Dr. F.C. Blodi invited him to join the faculty at the University of lowa as a professor and the Director of the Ocular Vascular Clinic and Ocular Vascular Research. After 14 years at the University of lowa, Dr. Hayreh was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science (Medicine) by the University of London in 1987. This degree was awarded for his published research work which was judged as “original” and “of high standard such as would give a candidate an authoritative standing in Ophthalmology and in his particular field of research (Ocular Circulation in Health and Disease; Optic Nerve Disorders)” and containing “seminal publications which have led to extensions or developments by others.” In 1999, he assumed emeritus status at lowa and devoted himself full-time to his research.

The impact Dr. Hayreh made on the ophthalmic community as well as the many lives he touched is truly immeasurable. Those of us who were lucky enough to know him personally, felt his warmth, caring demeanor, and humor.

In Memory of Dr. Stanley Thompson

It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of H. Stanley Thompson, MD. Dr. Thompson became a part of department in 1967 when, after his residency at Iowa, outgoing department head, Dr. Alson E. Braley, and incoming head, Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, hired him to direct the neuro-ophthalmology unit, which now bears his name. His interest in the workings of the pupil, under the mentorship of Irene Loewenfeld PhD, began a new era of pupillary research in Iowa City and made Iowa known around the world as a place where unusual pupillary problems can be solved. “Our department benefitted immensely from Dr. Thompson’s contributions to the field of neuro-ophthalmology—in particular making the pupil relevant,” said Keith Carter, MD, the current chair of the department. Explaining Dr. Thompson’s impact on the world of neuro-ophthalmology, Michael Wall, MD said, “he will forever be a pillar of neuro-ophthalmology for his major contributions on clinical pupillary disorders—especially his work on the relative afferent pupillary defect.”

Throughout his three decades at Iowa, he taught and mentored countless residents, fellows, and faculty— including current faculty members, Dr. Wall and Randy Kardon, MD, PhD. “He was one of the main reasons that I decided on neuro-ophthalmology—and he trained so many of us as fellows, residents, and medical students over the years with great kindness, humor and passion,” Dr. Kardon said. Despite being a pioneer and major contributor to the field of neuro-ophthalmology, Dr. Thompson never took himself too seriously. “He was an outstanding teacher and punctuated his lessons with subtle self-effacing humor,” Dr. Wall explained. “One of my favorite sayings was, after discussing a case for about 20 minutes and going in circles, he would say: ‘There is something to be learned from this, I am just not sure what.’” When presented with impromptu teaching moments, Dr. Thompson was also known to sketch out his ideas on paper napkins in lieu of a chalkboard.

But Dr. Thompson’s legacy goes beyond his professional impact: “He was a terrific mentor and teacher but most importantly he was a true gentleman,” Dr. Carter said. Dr. Kardon recalled the personal connection that Dr. Thompson formed with those in the department: “There were so many great memories over the years—especially the Thompson ‘corn parties’ at their farm each fall with potluck dinners, volleyball, softball, bicycle obstacle courses, and bringing in the corn from the field for dinner.” Wallace Alward, MD added, “His corn parties were an integral part of our culture, and his dry wit rescued many an endless faculty meeting.” Dr. Wall also remembers how special Dr. Thompson was and the lasting impact he will have on the department on top of his academic contributions: “most of all he was a gentle, caring human being and a role model for all of us.” givetoiowa.org/stanthompson

We will greatly miss Dr. Thompson but his legacy at Iowa will continue. One way you can help carry on this legacy is to visit the link below, which will take you to a neuro-ophthalmology fund in Dr. Thompson’s honor. This fund supports the neuro-ophthalmology unit and neuroophthalmology research at Iowa.