The Dixon family has scheduled a Celebration of Life for Dr. William (Bill) Dixon on:
Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM Trinity Presbyterian Church
2737 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON
M2L 1C5
In tribute to his extraordinary life and contributions, Dr. Dixon’s colleagues, friends, and family are working to raise $1,000,000 to establish a named professorship in his memory. This professorship will support a clinician scientist conducting cornea discovery science research.
Bill was a beloved and longstanding member of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at Sunnybrook Hospital, where he served for over 50 years. He passed away on June 15, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a friend, mentor, teacher and role model to generations of ophthalmologists.
He led Sunnybrook’s Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences for 23 years and held several leadership roles within the hospital and across the province. As Chief during a time of limited resources and space, he ensured the Department remained at the forefront of academic and technological excellence. He was intentional in building his team, selecting individuals who would strengthen not just the department’s capabilities, but also its culture and cohesion.
Bill was a pioneer in the field of cornea and external diseases. After training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, he was among the first in Canada to perform corneal transplantation. He played a central role in advancing eye banking in Toronto, setting new standards for tissue handling and safety that have benefited countless patients. His work helped expand services to include advanced testing and preparation of tissue for transplant, significantly increasing the quality and quantity of donor tissue available.
In 2022, Bill received the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his national and international impact on the profession, and his sustained commitment to excellence in patient care and education.
A gifted surgeon and lifelong learner, Bill continued to adopt new surgical innovations throughout his career. He approached each change thoughtfully, always with his patients’ best interests in mind.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy in ophthalmology, education and patient care at Sunnybrook and the University of Toronto.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia, his sons Ross and John, and seven grandchildren.
To make a donation in memory of Bill, please follow the link, or to discuss a pledge, please contact Alan Spencer at alan.spencer@utoronto.ca.
