Dr David Squirrell with Fiona Bamforth, A/Prof Andrea Vincent and Dr Rasha Altaie at 2018s Ocular Therapeutics Evening

It is with much sadness that I must convey that our colleague and good friend, ophthalmologist Dr David Squirrell passed away after an accident at his home in Queensland, Australia, on 10 November 2025. He is survived by wife Judi and children Emily, Jonathan and Daniel.

David also had a huge ‘extended’ family in the ophthalmic world. There’s so much to write about him but I would like, first and foremost, to say what a difference David made in people’s lives. His patients loved him, he was kind, he explained everything clearly and they felt they had been heard. Even now, two years since he left New Zealand, we still get patients asking about David. As nurses, we knew he was always ready to help. He was a great teacher, an important part of the team and always looking at how he could support us in new roles (including as intravitreal nurse injectors).

David was also lead of the Auckland diabetic retinal (DR) photoscreening service. Judi, too, was a DR grader and our weekly review/audit sessions were a great learning time for me and gave me the opportunity to potentially annoy David on a weekly basis. Despite my best efforts, he did not get annoyed. David was also on the steering group and one of the leads for the New Zealand Ministry of Health 2016 Diabetic Retinal Screening, Grading and Management Guidance Steering Group. I used to say (quoting from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy): David, you have a brain the size of a planet.

David was very supportive to all staff, often helping the ophthalmic fellows with their research, the junior doctors with teaching sessions, or practice runs for interviews. David was a keen researcher, undertaking many projects, including AI development, helping other organisations such as Macular Degeneration New Zealand and with public information sessions. David was a mentor and a friend. He is missed but will not be forgotten. RIP.

Please send donations in memory of David to CMB www.cbmnz.org.nz.

Olga Brochner is clinical nurse specialist ophthalmology at the Greenlane Clinical Centre. David was clinical lead for her medical retinal clinics and DR screening/grading role.