Arthur Lister was born in Aberdeen on 12 February 1905. His father was a physician and Lord Lister was his great-uncle. He was educated at Lancing and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated BA in 1927. He began his clinical studies that year, entering the London Hospital with a Price University Scholarship. He qualified MB BCh Cambridge in 1934. As a nephew of Sir William Lister, who undoubtedly influenced him profoundly, he turned early to the study of ophthalmology and was elected to the staff of both Moorfields and the London in 1939. This stage of his career was interrupted by the second world war, when he served in the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel. He was adviser in ophthalmology to 21st Army Group and to Allied Land Forces South-east Asia. At the end of the war there was an outburst of new ideas, mainly in Europe and America. With characteristic enthusiasm he took up the newer techniques of corneal and cataract surgery, which, together with those used in the treatment of glaucoma and retinal detachment, marked a clear transition into the period of modern practice as we now know it. Particularly interested in congenital glaucoma and in the angle of the anterior chamber, he made a collection of superb stereoscopic photographs of this structure. He was influential in introducing into Britain the technique of goniotomy, which radically improved the prospects for vision in children with congenital glaucoma. Lister travelled to many parts of the world, and the contacts and friends he made at that time formed a nucleus from which have grown the many links which Moorfields now has overseas. His spare time was spent in a great variety of interests with his devoted family. He enjoyed walking and bird watching, and in later years made a modest collection of fine clocks. On duty his attendance at hospital could be inferred by the presence of his well known old open 1937 LG45 Rapide 4½-litre Lagonda in British racing green, which he loved to 'let out' on the open road. He was modest and unassuming, but his integrity and honesty of purpose will not be forgotten and he was a great champion of lone causes. Highly conscientious, his first consideration was always for his patients. He married Margaret Pryor in 1930 and had three sons and two daughters, one son is a doctor. He died on 21 March 1975, aged 70 years.