Obituary - Dr Keith Barnett

30th March 2009

Dr Keith Chartres Barnett OBE, MA, PhD, BSc, DVOphthal, DipECVO, DipACVO, FRCVS, 1929-2009

Tim Greet, Sidney Ricketts and Nick Wingfield Digby wish to say that with the recent passing of Keith Barnett we have lost not only a valued consultant but also arguably the United Kingdom’s leading veterinary ophthalmologist. Others, who are better qualified than us to comment, have described his distinguished career in ophthalmology (Veterinary Record, 28th March 2009). However, we would like to pay tribute to a man whose professional skills, huge experience and impeccable manner made him the perfect second opinion.

When one of us (TRCG) was a recent graduate working at the Animal Health Trust in the 1970’s, it was Keith who was there to give encouragement and advice about examining the equine eye, when there were few others as well equipped to do so.

Keith worked with members of Rossdale & Partners for almost 30 years. When we built our new Equine Hospital in 1997 we asked him to act as our ophthalmological consultant, which he did until ill-health prevented him from continuing last year. He quickly became a much-valued member of our team and saw second opinion cases from veterinary surgeons from both within and without our practice and always dealt with them with great efficiency, professionalism and charm.

Keith’s approachable manner and the wonderful twinkle in his eye were only part of the make-up of a serious academic clinician who published a large number of papers on all aspects of ophthalmology in several different species. His contributions to the profession were recognised by numerous awards from all around the world.

He was always charming and never seemed happier than with a glass of red wine in hand at a social event or walking with his dogs. He courageously faced his final illness with an optimism that belied the seriousness of the problem.

Our thoughts are now with Jane Sansom, his partner of many years and herself a distinguished ophthalmologist.

A Service of Thanksgiving for Keith’s life will be held at 2.00pm on 7th May 2009 at St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds.

Categories: People