Mann, Ida (1893–1983)

English ophthalmologist. Name variations: Ida Caroline Mann; Mrs. Gye or Mrs. W.E. Gye. Born Ida Caroline Mann, Feb 6, 1893, in West Hampstead, London, England; died Nov 18, 1983; dau. of Ellen (Packham) Mann and Frederick Mann (civil servant); m. William Ewart Gye (professor), 1944 (died 1952).

Oxford University's 1st woman professor and Britain's 1st Ophthalmology professor, began career as the 1st woman consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital (London); entered London School of Medicine for Women (1914); received clinical training at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington; assisted professor E.S. Frazer with embryological studies; as a surgeon, worked at several institutions, including Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital (1922–25), Central London Ophthalmic Hospital (1925–27), Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital in Moorfields (1927–49) and Royal Free Hospital (1928–39); at Oxford University, served as a Margaret Ogilvie Reader (1941–46) and as an Ophthalmology professor (1942–49); led Ministry of Supply's ophthalmic research team (1940–45) to study the effects of gases on the eye (worked with biochemist Antoinette Pirie); introduced the slit lamp, which allowed ophthalmologists to see inside an eye, to England; due to husband's heart condition, immigrated to Perth (1949); served as consultant ophthalmologist for Western Australia Public Health Department (1951–76); treated and studied eye conditions of Aborigine patients; granted membership to many organizations, including the Royal College of Surgeons (fellow); wrote The Development of the Human Eye (1928), The Science of Seeing (with Pirie, 1946) and The Cockney and the Crocodile (1962). Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1954) and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1980).