Obituary: Professor Mohammed Jalie 1941-2026

The late Professor Mo Jalie

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Professor Mohammed (Mo) Jalie DSc, SMSA, FBDO (Hons), Hon FCGI, Hon FCOptom, MCMI – internationally-renowned dispensing optician (DO), scholar and ophthalmic lens innovator.

An ABDO member since first joining the Association in 1965, Professor Jalie’s seminal textbook, The Principles of Ophthalmic Lenses, is now in its sixth edition and remains a required text on the FBDO syllabus.

Professor Jalie dedicated more than five decades to advancing the science and practice of ophthalmic lenses and vision care worldwide – and was awarded Honorary Life Membership of ABDO in 2002.

Throughout his career, he authored or co-authored nearly 200 academic and technical papers and several major texts on ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, dispensing techniques and optical theory.

Professor Jalie served as head of the Department of Applied Optics at City & East London College, where he taught generations of DOs and optometrists from 1964 until his retirement in 1995. And in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to optometry, education and the ophthalmic industry, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science by Ulster University in 2018.

His pioneering work in lens design, aberration control and surface geometry significantly influenced modern spectacle lens manufacturing and professional practice. His mathematical and optical contributions helped bridge the gap between theoretical optics and practical lens design, shaping standards still used internationally today.

A respected leader within the profession and industry, he served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) from 1993 to 1994 – and was a consultant to major international lens manufacturers. He also contributed to the Varilux University in Paris, the first European education centre dedicated to presbyopia and the ageing eye established in 1989.

Tribute to “an exceptional individual”

“One of the true architects of modern optical education”

Paying tribute to Professor Jalie, immediate past president of ABDO, Kevin Gutsell, said: “Through his seminal textbooks – including The Principles of Ophthalmic Lenses – and his extensive body of articles and academic papers, most of which remain as relevant today as when they were first published, Professor Mo Jalie has secured a legacy that will endure for many years to come.

“At ABDO area meetings and optical conferences, a presentation by ‘Professor Mo Jalie’ invariably drew a full audience. Often addressing complex topics such as lens design and optical principles, he had an exceptional ability to analyse and simplify challenging concepts, ensuring they were accessible and clearly understood. Equally notable was his generosity with time; he was always willing to engage with questions or, on occasion, to sign a well-used – or new – copy of his renowned Principles.

“I also had the privilege of working alongside Mo on BSI committees, where his insight and expertise were invaluable. In 2011, I chose to advance my understanding of emerging lens designs and technologies by enrolling in the Spectacle Lens Design course. Developed and delivered by Mo over many years, the course was demanding, yet his dedication to guiding and supporting students made a significant difference. This commitment to education was evident throughout his long and distinguished career across a number of courses and locations.

“While it is often said that nothing lasts forever, it is clear that Mo Jalie’s influence will endure. We have lost an exceptional individual whose work has educated and shaped countless professionals, organisations and companies within our field. His impact will be felt for a very long time,” concluded Kevin.

“A deeply woven influence”

Adding to Kevin’s tribute, Miranda Richardson, ABDO professional qualifications director, said: “The passing of Professor Mo Jalie is such a profound loss to the world of optics, and in particular to the profession of dispensing opticians. His influence is woven deeply into the education, training and everyday practice of countless professionals, both in the UK and around the world.

“Professor Jalie was far more than an academic – he was one of the true architects of modern optical education. His texts, long regarded as essential reading, remain a cornerstone of the core knowledge base for generations of trainee DOs.

“Having had the honour of working with Professor Jalie, I witnessed first-hand his passion for optics and his unwavering dedication to teaching. These qualities inspired students and colleagues alike, something clearly reflected in the fact his presentations were always fully subscribed. His enthusiasm fostered a deep appreciation of ophthalmic optics, encouraging many to pursue further study – particularly in his specialist field of spectacle lens design.

“Professor Mo Jalie’s legacy is enduring, each time a student learns from his work, or a practitioner applies the principles he explained with such clarity, his influence lives on. He will be remembered not only for his vast knowledge, but for the many generations of professionals he helped to shape. He leaves behind a legacy of education, inspiration, and excellence that will continue to guide the profession for many years to come.”

A lifelong ABDO supporter, Professor Jalie was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Association in 2002

“A valued friendship”

Dr Alicia Thompson, ABDO director of research, recalled: “I first met Mo 37 years ago when I was an apprentice optical technician and he taught on the courses run by the WCSM. Over the years, we worked together on various projects and committees and our relationship soon grew into a valued friendship, and I am incredibly proud to have known him, been taught by him and worked with him. From those early days, he showed me unwavering support and encouragement, helping to ignite a passion for ophthalmic lenses that has stayed with me ever since.

“Mo’s influence on the optical profession is immeasurable. Through his books and teachings, he inspired not just individuals, but generations of professionals around the world. His work will no doubt continue to educate and inspire for many years to come, leaving a legacy that is both profound and enduring.

“Some of my fondest memories are of his unique way of teaching – like the time he tore beer mats in half in a pub to give me an impromptu lesson, after I finally admitted I didn’t understand a particular formula derivation. That was Mo, endlessly patient, wonderfully creative, and always willing to share his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.

“He was a great advocate for DOs, and I still quote him in my lectures today where he rips peep holes in a piece of paper representing an optical prescription and tries to look through it. He used to say, ‘My prescription has just been given to me by the best optometrist in the world and I have absolute confidence in it. But it’s useless – I can’t see a thing through it until it has been made up as a pair of spectacles. That second part of the patient’s journey is the role of the dispensing optician’.

“Despite his brilliance, what stood out most was his kindness and humility. He gave his time freely, treated everyone with respect, and never made anyone feel small for wanting to understand more. In that, he taught us something even greater than optics. Mo was not just a genius was a truly generous and remarkable man. His example is one we would all do well to follow,” added Alicia.

Influence on future generations

On behalf of ABDO College, its principal, Nina McDermott, said: “Everyone at ABDO College is saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Jalie. He has, and will, continue to influence generations of dispensing opticians, who benefit from his insights, passion for and advocacy of the profession. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The WCSM has also paid tribute to Professor Jalie, with the current Master and past ABDO president, Fiona Anderson, saying: “As we mourn the death of Past Master Mo Jalie, we celebrate his immense and continuing impact on generations of opticians, optometrists and optical technicians. Here at the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, we are left with many fond memories of Mo, and with enormous gratitude for his loyalty and commitment. As a member for more than 60 years, he served the Company not just as its Master, but in many other capacities as well. On behalf of the Company, I offer condolences to Sheila – and to Mo’s whole family – on this very sad loss.”

Mo leaves behind his wife Sheila, children Jeremy, Simon and Natalie, and their spouses and grandchildren.