Medical staff fear a marble bust of the founder of Oxford Eye Hospital, Robert Doyne, has been stolen.

The bust of the pioneering eye specialist disappeared during the eye hospital’s move from the Radcliffe Infirmary site to its new home at the John Radcliffe.

Dating from 1914, the bust had watched over the Eye Hospital for more than 90 years.

Staff were initially at a loss to understand what could have happened to the heavy sculpture, believing that it would eventually be found in a storage box.

But they now believe it was taken by opportunist thieves during the move in 2007, when staff, equipment and patients moved over to the JR site in Headington.

A fresh appeal is now being made in the hope that the bust can be found in time for the Oxford Ophthalmological Congress, which Mr Doyne founded 100 years ago. The centenary congress, being held in July at the Oxford Playhouse, will feature an exhibition to celebrate the life of Mr Doyne, who founded the hospital in 1886.

Oxford eye surgeon Prof Anthony Bron said: “The bust was placed in a prominent location in the hospital in recognition of his unique contribution.

“Because everything was being moved, people initially assumed the removal people had shifted it.

“I know from personal experience that it was hellishly heavy to lift. It must have taken at least two people to carry it.

“A few other things disappeared during the move, including projector equipment. And we would appeal to anyone who may have seen it, or know of its whereabouts, to come forward.”

Richard Keeler, the curator of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: “When Robert Doyne retired from the Oxford Eye Hospital in 1914 after 25 years service, his collegues subscribed for a marble bust to be made of him.

“Perhaps a bigger fuss should have been made when it first went missing.

“It was a strange thing to take. It is not the kind of thing anyone could just walk away with. But perhaps it is being used as a door stop somewhere.”

Prof Bron added: “We do have a bronzed resin replica of the bust, which will sit on the stage of the Oxford Playhouse during the congress.”