Bernard Becker
Bernard Becker (August 21, 1920 – August 28, 2013) was professor emeritus of ophthalmology and visual sciences at Washington University's School of Medicine in St. Louis. He was born in New York City. Becker was internationally honored as an expert on the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and active in teaching and research. For more than 35 years, he led Washington University's department of ophthalmology. In 1978, students, patients, and colleagues raised funds in his honor, which now endow two faculty positions: the Bernard and Janet Becker Professorship (presently held by Dr. Shiming Chen) and the Bernard  Becker Professorship (presently held by Dr. Timothy McBride). Early life and education. After graduating from medical school, he joined the United States Army during World War II and served as a military psychiatrist. Death. Just a week after his 93rd birthday, Dr. Becker died from lung cancer at his home in the Central West End, St. Louis on August 28, 2013.