Claud Worth

Claud Worth FRCS
Born	1869 Holbeach, Lincolnshire
Died	1936 Falmouth, Cornwall
Nationality	United Kingdom
Known for	Ophthalmologist Writer Master Mariner

Claud Alley Worth FRCS (1869 – 1936) was a British ophthalmologist,^[1] inventor of the Worth 4 dot test and Worth's Ambyloscope,^[1][2] a pioneer in the orthoptic treatment of squint,^[1][3] a master mariner^[1] and an established author on the subjects of ophthalmology and sailing.^[4][5]

Early life

Claud Alley Worth was born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire in 1869, the son of Thomas Mordaunt Worth, scion of an ancient Lincolnshire family,^[1] and Frances Charlotte (née Alley).^[6] He was educated at Bedford Modern School between 1884 and 1887^[7] and St Bartholomew's Hospital.^[1] He qualified as M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. in 1893 and was elected F.R.C.S. in 1898.^[1][8]

Career

Worth began the study of ophthalmology under Henry Power and Bowater Vernon at St Bartholomew's Hospital and in 1906 joined the staff of Moorfields.^[1] He was, for many years, ophthalmic surgeon to the West Ham Hospital in the East End of London.^[1]

Worth gained fame in two diverse areas of specialization: the management of childhood squint^[9] and amblyopia, and the sailing and navigation of small yachts.^{[1][10][11][12]} His inventiveness endures, as demonstrated by Worth's 4 dot test and later versions of his original amblyoscope.^{[1][2][8][13]}

Worth's name and books were also familiar to sailors of small yachts.^[1][10] He was 'deeply knowledgeable about currents, harbours and all aspects of seamanship'.^[1][10] He was president of the Little Ship Club, Vice-Commodore of the Royal Cruising Club and a Master Mariner.^[1][10]

Personal life

Worth married Janet Duncan Ritchie in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire in 1906.^[14] He died in Falmouth, Cornwall on 24 June 1936 and was survived by his wife and a son.^[1]

References