Richard Mather Hill

Richard “Dick” Mather Hill

Born on December 16, 1934, in San Francisco, California.

Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Leonora, with whom he shared many wonderful experiences due to his successful research and academic careers, and his daughter, Cindi.

He received his professional training (Optometry) and Ph.D. degree (Physiological Optics), from the University of California, Berkeley, and Sc.D. (honoris causa) from the State University of New York.

Over a 31-year period at The Ohio State University, he served as Professor of Physiological Optics and Optometry, Associate Dean, and Dean of the College of Optometry.

He held several research grants from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health over a twenty-year period, and he published more than 280 research papers in the areas of neurophysiology of vision and corneal physiology. He retired in 1995 as Dean and Professor Emeritus. His professional papers, memorabilia, and research instruments are now housed in the OSU Medical Heritage Center.

For research, he received the Fry Medal in Physiological Optics, the Gold Medal of the British Contact Lens Association, the Ruben Medal of the International Society for Contact Lens Research, the Bell Medal of the Contact Lens Society of Australia, the Herschel Medal of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists, and the Charles F. Prentice Award of the American Academy of Optometry, of which he was a Life Fellow.

He was president of the International Society for Contact Lens Research (1988-1990), in 1996 he was designated Optometrist of the Year by the Ohio Optometric Association, and he was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2005.

He served as co-chair of The Ohio State University Campus Campaign Council (1998-99), and he was president of The Ohio State University Retirees Association (1999-00). He received The Distinguished Service Award of the Ohio State University (2002), and he was president of the Torch Club of Columbus, Ohio (2006-7). In retirement, he gave many lectures on vision and travel.

No services will be held, per his request. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Richard and Leonora Hill Endowed Lecture Series on Frontiers in Vision Research (Fund 603197), c/o The Ohio State University Foundation, University Square North, 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201.

Condolences may be left at LeafCremation.com.