Dr Patricia M. Sonksen is Consultant Paediatrician (Emeritus) at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Child Health (ICH), London. During her 40-year career in paediatric neurology Dr Sonksen's main interest has been in severe visual impairment and for 23 years she directed the Vision Research and Clinical Service Team at the ICH in London. She is still the primary lecturer and demonstrator for the ICH biannual Development Examination course. Dr Sonsksen has received numerous awards for her work and has contributed to numerous books and other publications.