ICO presents: The History of Optometry

Summary

The field of Optometry has a rich history dating back to 1267 with Roger Bacon's mention of lenses for sight improvement. The invention of spectacles in 1286 and the printing press in 1452 increased demand for corrective lenses. Johannes Kepler's work in 1604 laid the foundation for understanding image formation on the retina. Innovations like bifocals by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 and Hermann von Helmholtz's ophthalmoscope in 1851 advanced the field. The term 'Optometry' was coined in 1865, and the first optometry school was established in 1872. The profession evolved with the introduction of contact lenses, diagnostic pharmaceuticals, and laser treatments, with the American Optometric Association supporting its growth since 1898.

Takeaways

• 👓 The concept of improving sight with lenses was first mentioned by English philosopher Roger Bacon in 1267.
• 🌍 The invention of spectacles occurred in Northern Italy around 1286, initially used by scholars and monks.
• 📚 The invention of the printing press in 1452 increased the demand for spectacles.
• 🔭 Johannes Kepler, a German astronomer, was the first to accurately describe image formation on the retina in 1604.
• 📚 The first book on Optometric principles was authored by Spanish physicist Benito Daza de Valdez in 1623.
• 🤓 Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals in 1784 by combining distance and reading lenses.
• 👨‍⚕️ Hermann von Helmholtz invented the ophthalmoscope in 1851, enabling the first views of the human fundus.
• 📊 Herman Snellen's visual acuity charts and formula were published in 1862, a significant contribution to Optometry.
• 🏫 The term 'Optometry' was coined by Dutch scholar J.W. Bershore in 1865, and the first optometry school was established in 1872.
• 👁️‍💊 The first plastic contact lenses were created by Theo Obrigg and John Mullen in 1938.
• 🏛️ The American Optometric Association was organized by Charles Prentiss in 1898 to support optometrists legally and financially.

Q & A

When did the field of Optometry begin to take shape?

The field of Optometry began to take shape in 1267 when English philosopher Roger Bacon first mentioned the improvement of sight with lenses.

Who is credited with the invention of the world's first spectacles?

An unknown artisan in Northern Italy is credited with the invention of the world's first spectacles in 1286.

Which professions were the first to use spectacles?

The first people to wear spectacles were scholars and monks, whose professions required close viewing and observation of literature and scripts.

How did the invention of the printing press impact the demand for spectacles?

The invention of the printing press in 1452 increased the demand for spectacles as more people needed them to read printed materials.

Who was the first to accurately describe image formation on the retina?

German astronomer Johannes Kepler was the first to accurately describe image formation on the retina in 1604.

What significant contribution did Benito Daza de Valdez make to the field of Optometry?

Benito Daza de Valdez authored the first book on Optometric principles, entitled 'the use of eyeglasses,' in 1623 and devised an alternate technique to capture visual acuity.

Who is known for the invention of bifocals?

American inventor Benjamin Franklin is known for the invention of bifocals in 1784.

What instrument did Hermann Von Helmholtz discover that allowed the first human fundus to be viewed?

Hermann Von Helmholtz discovered the ophthalmoscope, which allowed the first human fundus to be viewed.

What is the significance of the Snellen Acuity Chart in the field of Optometry?

The Snellen Acuity Chart, devised by Dutch Professor Herman Snellen, is significant as it provided a formula to express any individual's eyesight in the form of a fraction.

When was the term 'Optometry' first coined?

The term 'Optometry' was first coined in 1865 by Dutch scholar J.W. Bershore in his doctoral dissertation.

Who is known as the father of Optometry and why?

Charles Prentiss is known as the father of Optometry because he defended the profession against legal challenges and helped organize the American Optometric Association.

What was the first state to lawfully recognize Optometry and set regulations?

Minnesota was the first state to lawfully recognize Optometry and set regulations in 1901.

When were the first plastic contact lenses created?

The first plastic contact lenses were created in 1938 by Theo Obrigg and John Mullen.

What was the significance of the NBEO exam established in 1951?

The NBEO exam was established to accurately assess the qualifications and competence of practicing optometrists.

When did Rhode Island pass the first law allowing optometrists to use diagnostic drugs to treat patients?

Rhode Island passed the first law allowing optometrists to use diagnostic drugs to treat patients in 1971.

What milestone did the profession of Optometry achieve in 1998 with the Medicare act?

In 1998, the profession of Optometry achieved a milestone with the inclusion of Optometric Services in the Medicare act, which was approved by Congress.