Nancy Lewis

Dr Nancy Lewis was an ophthalmologist when women rarely practised medicine, let alone ophthalmology.

Her goal was to advance the cause of women in medicine, in particular in ophthalmology, and to care for the children of Victoria.

She also aimed to show that women could be leaders and role models, and have a family.

Nancy graduated in medicine from The University of Melbourne in 1935. She was a resident medical officer at Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) and the Royal Women’s Hospital.

To show that women could obtain higher degrees, she did an MD (Doctor of Medicine, equivalent to a PhD today). She was one of just two ophthalmologists in Victoria to have the qualification at this time.

She was the first woman Medical Superintendent of the RVEEH in 1940-41, before pursuing ophthalmology, becoming one of only three female ophthalmologists in Australia.

In 1942, she established the Eye Clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital. This clinic became a world leader in paediatric ophthalmology and has transformed the lives of many children.

Nancy remained in charge of the Eye Clinic until 1963, continuing as Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist until 1986.

Alongside her hospital work, Nancy maintained a busy private practice. She also excelled at tennis, winning Melbourne University singles championships in 1930 and 1931, and the Australian Girls under 21 singles in 1932 and 1933.

In all of her positions she served as a visible role model and informal mentor for the increasing number of women doctors and surgeons who followed her.

Dr Lewis passed away in 2002. She and Associate Professor Anne Brooks are Australia’s first mother and daughter ophthalmologist duo.