Ichiro D. Okamura M.D.

One of the pioneers in the field of modern retina surgery, died May 25 in Menlo Park, CA. He was 92 years old. Dr. Okamura was born in Papaaloa on the island of Hawaii on January 28, 1916. He graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1937, and received his Medical Degree in 1942 from the University of Michigan. Dr. Okamura served as a Captain and Medical Officer in the United States Army and was stationed in Northern Africa during the war. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he moved to the Boston area with his wife, Patricia to continue his medical career. In 1951, Dr. Okamura joined Dr. Charles Schepens in the formation of Retina Associates. This group is renowned for its pathbreaking development of surgical procedures and treatments for retinal detachments and other diseases of the retina, and for training countless surgeons from around the world in these innovations. Dr. Okamura co-authored numerous publications in this field and served as a member of Retina Associates until his retirement in 1981. Dr. Okamura is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia; his daughter, Nancy, and her husband, Terry Glomski of Lake Forest, IL; his daughter, Andrea and her husband, Jeff Chambers of Atherton, CA; his son, Gareld of Millis, MA; his daughter, Tracy of Orlando, FL and his grandsons, Nat and Dillon Chambers of Atherton, CA. Memorial donations may be sent to the National MS Society (nmss.org), 150 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612.