A leading New Zealand ophthalmologist who played a key role in transforming eyecare in his country has died in an accident in Australia.
Dr David Squirrell (55), died while swimming in the family’s pool in Queensland, according to New Zealand news website Stuff.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Dr Squirrell and his family moved to New Zealand in 2009, before moving again, to Australia, about two years ago.
Tributes from Australia and across the Tasman have recognised his contribution to eyecare in both countries.
Dr Squirrell had a number of roles in public ophthalmology in New Zealand, including as clinical lead for Waitemata District Health Board’s ophthalmology services and the national diabetic eye screening programme.
According to Stuff, he also co-founded Toku Eyes, a start-up that developed an AI tool to help screen for diabetic retinopathy.
In Australia, Dr Squirrell worked as a clinical director at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
He was swimming at home when the accident happened, said his wife, Judi Squirrell.
“It wasn’t a dive,” she told Stuff. “There is a sort of sitting platform and he misjudged it, and basically swam into it, and that was enough to give him a significant neck and head injury.
“We were all home, but we weren’t in the pool. I heard the dog bark and looked out the window and saw that he was very, very unwell.”
