Remembering Manfred MacKeben, Ph.D.

In Memoriam

Manfred MacKeben, an adventurous Berliner who made his life’s work in California vision science, died on May 6, 2026, at the age of 86. A longtime member of the Smith-Kettlewell community, he was known equally for his scientific contributions and for the warmth, humor, and humanity he brought to the people around him.

A life shaped by music, language, and science

Born in Berlin in 1940, Manfred was the son of the celebrated composer and conductor Theo Mackeben and the talent agent Toni Mackeben. He grew up surrounded by music, language, and the arts, and he carried that inheritance throughout his life. Colleagues remember him as a gifted singer, a deeply knowledgeable jazz enthusiast, and a lifelong lover of art and literature, with a quick wit and a gift for storytelling.

A leading figure in attention and low-vision research

At Smith-Kettlewell, Manfred became one of the most respected vision scientists of his generation. He is perhaps best known as co-discoverer, with Ken Nakayama, of the phenomenon of transient attention (Nakayama and Mackeben, 1989), work that helped bring attention research into the mainstream of vision science at a time when the subject was still met with skepticism.

Over a long and productive career, he also made lasting contributions to the study of peripheral vision and became a leading figure in low-vision rehabilitation and research on macular vision loss, including the development of diagnostic tools such as the Macular Mapping Test. His work was recognized with the Constance Atwell Award from ARVO and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Low Vision Research from Envision University.

Beyond his research, Manfred was a devoted mentor who actively supported younger scientists throughout their careers, and he worked productively to the very end. He will be remembered not only for what he discovered, but for the generosity and humanity he brought to everyone around him.

Remembering Manfred at Smith-Kettlewell

“Manfred Mackeben’s passing is a profound loss to the low vision research community. Though it is difficult to imagine moving forward without him, his leadership and legacy will continue to guide us.”

William Good, M.D.

Executive Director, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

“Manfred was a great friend and an inspirational researcher throughout his career. He brought many innovations into the nascent field of low vision rehabilitation and was devoted to improving the lives of his patients, both here through the Low Vision Clinic and through his longstanding collaborators in Germany. He could always be relied on to bring a stream of entertaining anecdotes to the regular Wednesday teas for our blind engineers and their friends. Smith-Kettlewell will not be the same without his convivial spirit.”

Christopher Tyler, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute