July 07, 2024

Otto Wichterle Biography, Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Career, Facts, Wiki & More

Updated On : November 12, 2021

Short Biography

Otto Wichterle was born on 27-10-1913 in Prostejov, Olomouc, Czech Republic. He was a Czech Chemist, Inventor, Scientist, Writer & Author who invented the modern soft contact lenses.

Other Name: Otto, Wichterle
Other Professions: Inventor Scientist Writer Author

Otto Wichterle Complete Bio & Career

Otto Wichterle was a renowned Czech Chemist, Inventor, Scientist, Writer & Author. He was born to an engineer father Karel Wichterle in  Prostejov, Olomouc, Czech Republic. He invented the modern soft contact lenses. He did his schooling at Worker Grammar School, Prostejov, Czech Republic. In 1936, attain his doctorate in organic chemistry from the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT).

In 1941, invented the Czechoslovak Synthetic Fiber. In the 1950s, he developed an absorbent and transparent gel for eye implants. He was pushed out of the ICT due to political turmoil. He continued his work of refining his hydrogel development at home. In 1961, produced the first soft contact lenses. He made it with a DIY apparatus made of a child’s erector set, a bicycle light battery, a phonograph motor, and homemade glass tubing and molds.

He was made President of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences till the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. He was also the honorary President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. He remains a member of several foreign academies of science. The personality received many awards and honorary doctorates from several universities.

He died at the age of 84 in Strazisko village, Prostejov in the region of Olomouc, Czech Republic. Google is going to honor him with a Google Doodle on his home page by celebrating his 108th birth anniversary.

 

Otto Wichterle Popular Videos

Health Issues, Illness and Death Info

Otto Wichterle died at age of 84 on 18-08-1998 in Strazisko village, Prostejov in the region of Olomouc, Czech Republic.

DEATHDAY 18 August,1998 (Tuesday)
DEATH PLACE Strazisko, Prostejov, Olomouc
DEATH COUNTRY Czech Republic

Otto Wichterle Family, Relatives and Other Relations

He was born to an engineer father Karel Wichterle. He had an elder sister named Hana Wichterlova, who was a visual artist. Her sister died on 29-08-1990. He was married to Linda Wichterlova in July 1938. Together they had two sons named Kamil Wichterle & Ivan Wichterle. His both sons are an author.

Life's Important Dates Of Otto Wichterle

Body Measurements

Skin Colour Fair
Eye Colour Black
Hair Colour White

Personal Info

Home Town Prostejov, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Nationality Czech
Religion N/A
Address Strazisko Village, Prostejov, Olomouc, Czech Republic
School Worker Grammar School, Prostejov, Czech Republic
College Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic
Qualification Doctorate
Hobbies Writing
Marital Status Married
Debut invented the Czechoslovak Synthetic Fiber in 1941
Salary N/A
Net Worth N/A
Official Website N/A

Favourites

Favorite Color Black
Favorite Dress Coat Pant
Favorite Accessories Watches

Shocking / Interesting Facts & Secrets About Otto Wichterle

  • Google honored him with a Google Doodle on his 108th birth anniversary dated 27-10-2021 (Wednesday).
  • He was one of the great inventors of countless patents and a lifelong researcher.
  • In 1993, was also elected the first President of the Academy of the Czech Republic following the country's establishment.
  • In 1957 and 1965 took part in the preparations for its Prague symposia
  • He also laid the foundation for state-of-the-art medical technologies. It includes “smart” biomaterials, used to restore human connective tissues and bio-recognizable polymers.
  • He is the author or co-author of about 180 patents and over 200 publications.

Otto Wichterle Age, Birthday Facts and Birthday Countdown

Otto Wichterle was 84 years 9 months & 22 days old age.