On the life work of Sir Nicholas Harold Lloyd Ridley

On may 25th 2001 Sir Harold Ridley died at age 94. With him Ophthalmology l ost one of the greatest and most influential Ophthalmologist of the post-wa r time. He is the founder of modern cataract surgery implanting the first i ntraocular lens after extracapsular cataract extraction 50 years ago. He pi oneered in what became one of the most important success stories in Ophthal mology. His vision and concepts managed to succeed against strong oppositio n worldwide. Modern cataract surgery and modern refractive IOL surgery woul d not been possible without his contribution. Sir Harold Ridley reached a h igh age and was therefore able to see his visions become reality and finall y receive all honours and awards he deserved over the past 15 years, includ ing the knighthood by Queen Elisabeth II in the year 2000. The following ar ticle gives a summary of his biography and contributions to Ophthalmology.