Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Critchett, George
CRITCHETT, GEORGE (1817–1882), ophthalmic surgeon, was born at Highgate in 1817, studied at the London Hospital, and became M.R.C.S. in 1839 and F.R.C.S. (by examination) in 1844. He was successively demonstrator of anatomy, assistant-surgeon (1846), and surgeon (1861 to 1863) to the London Hospital. He was a skilful surgeon and operator, introducing some valuable modes of treatment of ulcers, and showing boldness and capacity in large operations. From 1846 he was attached to the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, Moorfields, and became one of the best operators on the eye. Numerous important operations were much improved by him. He was elected a member of the council of the College of Surgeons in 1870, was president of the Hunterian Society for two years, and of the International Congress of Ophthalmology held in London in 1872. In 1876 he was appointed ophthalmic surgeon and lecturer at the Middlesex Hospital. He died on 1 Nov. 1882.
Critchett published a valuable course of lectures on ‘Diseases of the Eye’ in the ‘Lancet’ in 1854. He was extremely kind, courteous, and generous, had a refined artistic taste, and great love for athletic sports.
[Lancet, British Medical Journal, Medical Times, 11 Nov. 1882.]