David Sevel, MD, PhD, FACS, FRCS, FRCO, an internationally recognised ophthalmologist and medical researcher recently died from lymphoma on 1 March 2006 in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He was born 1 May 1933. His research has made him a pioneer in modern day ophthalmology. His work in embryonic ophthalmic pathology, treatment of ocular muscle abnormalities, and ocular plastic surgery has helped advance the field of ophthalmology. Professor David Sevel was the author of over 96 scientific articles and at least three chapters in ophthalmic textbooks. He had been invited to speak at conferences worldwide including in Florence, Italy; Ghent, Belgium; Stockholm, Sweden; and Oxford, England.
Dr Sevel was awarded a diploma in ophthalmology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in England. Additionally, he was selected to be a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the American College of Surgeons. He was also elected to the prestigious American Ophthalmological Society. He was a member of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmologists.
He attended medical school at the University of Witswatersrand, after further graduate studies at Oxford University and the Institute of Ophthalmology in London. Professor Sevel received his doctor of philosophy (PhD) from the University of London based on his research into the ophthalmological complications of rheumatoid arthritis. David Sevel was then appointed professor and chair of ophthalmology at the University of Cape Town in 1969 at the age of 35; he was the youngest professor and chairman ever appointed in the medical faculty. He moved to San Diego in 1979; thereafter, he was appointed chair of ophthalmology at the University of California, San Diego, Medical School. From 1988 to 1998, David Sevel was the chairman and head of the Division of Ophthalmology at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California.
During the course of his career he was awarded various honours and scholarships, United Oxford Hospital Grant for Glaucoma Survey in Oxford England, British Medical Research Council Scholarship, The Alexander Pigott Wernher Memorial Scholarship, Institute of Ophthalmology, London Sheperd Scholarship, Moorefield Eye Hospital, Moorefield's Clinical Research Scholarship, and CIBA Foundation Associateship of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Dr Sevel donated his pathological slides to Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, and was selected to be Honoree Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Ophthalmology.
In his retirement, David Sevel lived in the south of France, in Cannes, and in London.
He was committed to his work and patients, to the extent that when asked about his hobbies, he said “ophthalmology and my patients are my life, my passion and my hobby.” However, he was a keen rugby fan and he had an avid interest in collecting antique prints, maps, and old books.
He is survived by his wife Golda Cooper, son Charl Sevel, and daughter Nicola Jeffrey and grandchild Charles.