15 May 2024

Obituary Roger Pope - optician to royalty

It is with great regret that FODO learned of the very sad death of long-standing FODO member Roger Pope last month (21 April).  

Roger was a leader and pioneer in his field and it was always a joy to visit his practice on New Cavendish Street and benefit from his excellent advice. He was an extraordinarily nice, modest and discreet man despite being surrounded for much of his life by other leading eye care specialists and the great and good of UK and international society.

As Royal Warrant holder to Queen Elizabeth II and the then Prince Charles, Roger was responsible for much of the late Queen's iconic eyewear and was no stranger to royal settings. He was even privileged to hold his practice's 25^th anniversary in St James's Palace in the presence of royalty.

FODO Group director David Hewlett said: "Roger just exuded the highest standards of clinical excellence and respect for the highest quality eyewear. From the minute you looked into the window or crossed the threshold of his famous practice, you knew you were somewhere special and in safe hands. Roger's many friends in the sector and at FODO will miss him very much. Our deepest condolences go to his children and family at this extremely sad time."