The late A/Prof Gordon Sanderson

Those of us who knew Gordon Sanderson well, will be able to recall many times we shared with him that were both special and unique. I have been surprised by the number of conversations, emails and the like, in the wake of his passing, that have a similar theme: that Gordon was able to make those whom he met, whether socially or professionally, always feel their view and contribution was important.

I am sure that is how Gordon convinced the late, highly-regarded ophthalmologist and Emeritus Professor John Parr to employ him, a recent optometry graduate from Manchester, back in 1972. Gordon’s CV was scant to say the least back then, but advance a few years and Gordon was quickly adopted not just by both sides of the profession in New Zealand, but also by the Australians as one of their own. He’s right up there with a certain race horse, actor and an egg white-heavy dessert!

Gordon worked in the ophthalmology department at the University of Otago for some 40 years, sharing his passion for ophthalmology and dedication to curing people’s sight with hundreds of budding ophthalmology students. He was awarded the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence in 2013, which he described as a “highlight” of his career. This, he promptly framed, side-by-side with a letter from the university declining his expected biennial performance increment salary increase!  

Gordon’s office in the department would confuse even the most dedicated researcher, with papers everywhere, an overflowing filing cabinet, lenses and optical benches alongside half-empty coffee mugs and perhaps an old sandwich – to demonstrate oxidative changes only, of course. But it was all a pretence. Emeritus Professor Anthony Molteno, head of the department, got on with running the research and the patients, while Gordon attended faculty meetings, ensured the department was ticking over and running smoothly, and students were being well taught. His somewhat disorganised office, however, did cause some concern to the local police on one occasion when the department was burgled. Gordon was called to be informed his office had been ransacked, but no, he said, it was exactly as he had left it!

Gordon’s contribution to eye health and to those who suffered because of a lack of vision extended far beyond education. He was, among other things in his time, chairman of the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, a founding trustee and chair of the New Zealand National Eye Bank, a member of the scientific and medical advisory board of the NZ Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, a director and secretary of the NZ Society for the Prevention of Blindness (now the Save Sight Society), a trustee and keen supporter of Glaucoma NZ and a board member of the Fred Hollows Foundation. He was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008 for his services to low vision and he was one of the few optometrists to be awarded an Honorary RANZCO Fellowship, recognising him as an outstanding individual and contributor to the wider profession, in 2003. I think of all the accolades he received, Gordon valued RANZCO’s recognition the most as, for him, it meant his contribution was valued and appreciated by his peers, which it most deservedly was.

Outside work, which he loved, Gordon spent a great deal of time rummaging through antique shops and catalogues. His particular passion was the Georgian period and his home in Arthur Street, Dunedin was jammed-packed with his prized collection. It may only be a coincidence, but as Arthur Street became somewhat full, he acquired a church in Central Otago that for all intents and purposes became a fishing lodge – fishing was another of his passions, with many of us having the pleasure of accompanying him on trips. The “church”, however, was not cathedral-sized, so he built another dwelling, “the vicarage,” to house his ever-growing collection of mementoes, fishing tackle and the occasional mounted-trophy. Gordon entertained many visitors here, most not going to fish, but rather to enjoy the atmosphere and bonhomie of just being with Gordon and his long-standing partner Suzanne.

Gordon, a renaissance man and friend to many, died very unexpectedly on the 5 July 2017, aged just 70. As well as his adoring partner Suzanne, he left two wonderful children, Adam and Charlotte, and a much-loved grandson, Finn. He will be sorely missed by all his friends, colleagues, patients and most of all his beloved family.