Emeritus Consultants Biographies

Charles Milbank NELSON School of Optics London London Eye Hospital FSCM 1925 FIO 1924 Honorary Consultant Optometrist

Charles Nelson was born in Coolgardie in 1901, the son of Edward Ernest Nelson, Assistant Director of Telegraphs and Susan, nee Robinson.

On leaving school he qualified after completing a five year apprenticeship with Mr James Neilson as an optical mechanic . He then went to London, studying at the School of Optics where he gained the Diploma of the Company of Spectacle Makers to qualify as an Optometrist.  Returning to Western Australia in 1926 he started his own optometry practice in Fremantle and later in 1939 moved to Forrest Place in Perth.

Charles Nelson was appointed Honorary Optometrist to the Royal Perth Hospital in 1936 and served the Hospital in this position for 25 years until his retirement is 1961.  During the latter part of this time he also lectured to optometry students at the University of Western Australia.  He introduced micro-lenses to Western Australia in the 1950's.

In 1925, Charles was granted "Freedom of the City of London" in recognition of the contribution he made at the London Eye Hospital.  During the second World War he was the official optician for the United States Navy in Western Australia.

In 1928 he married Jane Forbes Rattray.  They have four daughters, the eldest of whom qualified as an optician.

Charles was interested in a range of sports, particularly cricket and football.  He also had an active interest in classical music and played the piano and the organ.  He conducted the local church choir, the Churches of Christ Choral Society, and the Billy Graham Choir.  He wrote and produced his own cantata- "The Prodigal Son".  This was premiered at the Subiaco Church of Christ in 1934 and later broadcast on the ABC.  In addition to these interests he was a keen philatelist and fisherman and was honorary optometrist and audiometrist to the Western Australian Cricket Association.

Charles Nelson retired in 1961 and in recognition of his service to the hospital, the Board of Management appointed him to the position of Honorary Consultant Optometrist, the first optometrist to be accorded Honorary Consultant status.  He finally retired from active private practice in 1980.