PROFESSOR GAIL STEPHENSON 1953 - 2015

WSPOS Scientific Bureau member, Gail Stephenson  passed away on 19 July 2015 following a brief illness. Dr Stephenson was at the forefront of all aspects of developing her profession, nationally and internationally.  Her record of achievement and service to orthoptics was unique and the impact of her work has influenced teaching of undergraduates, clinical practice and given an indication of the importance of high grade binocular vision in high performing sports professionals. 

She established the Liverpool University Department of Orthoptics in 1992, being one of only two university departments in England that offers an Orthoptics degree. She was Head until 2014 when she stepped down to spend more time on developing the postgraduate education for the continuing professional development of qualified orthoptics. 

In 2011 she was awarded a Fellowship of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society for outstanding service to the Orthoptic profession. She was elected President of the European Orthoptic Association and was the Deputy President of the International Orthoptic Association (the global orthoptic association) in 2013. 

Since 1996, Gail was involved in research into the effects of visual function on sport performance at the request of the then Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Her research has influenced and changed certain aspects of the coaching activities both for individual players and for the team as a whole. This work has also become part of the ‘talent ID’ process for young academy players. She also used her expertise in this field to advise other sports such as motor sport, tennis, rugby and netball. 

She made significant contributions to the University of Liverpool in many areas throughout her working life and was awarded a personal chair in 2013. This was well deserved and one of her proudest achievements. 

She had a distinguished career and leaves a legacy of service her profession. With a smile, a chuckle and a twinkle in her eyes, she conveyed her thoughts and opinions with humor and exacting observation. The contribution Gail made to the life and work of her students, colleagues and friends will be remembered and valued by them for many years to come.”