What Did They Know Then? A Journey Among the Giants of the Past

ABSTRACT

Dr. Richard Scobee has the honorary title “The Father of American Orthoptics.” In addition to his numerous accomplishments in his academic career, he had hobbies that included collecting historical stamps. In tribute to his love of things past, this lecture will delve into the remote history of ophthalmology, to see what eminent pioneers knew and wrote about eye muscle disorders and binocular vision in their treatises. Our journey will include eight personalities and their works, ranging from the 7th century through to the early 19th century, and will encompass Europe, the Middle East, Great Britain, and North America.

Analyzing the writings of these masters affords glimpses into the knowledge base and philosophies that were prevalent in different centuries. Many of these individuals were innovators who pushed the boundaries of knowledge. Some of them made advances using intuition and reason, mainly through case experience and case studies, while others used the scientific method to gain new information.

In many cases, the words written by these luminaries centuries ago still resonate with us today and guide us in our everyday practices. It is hoped that this journey will be enlightening for orthoptists, ophthalmologists, and allied health personnel, and confirm, as in many areas of science, that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants, the masters from the recent and the distant past.

KEYWORDS:

• Amblyopia
• anatomy
• eye muscles
• history
• squint
• strabismus

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank the many orthoptists who have been my teachers and colleagues through the years since I was a medical student in 1976. They include the teaching orthoptists at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children: Louise Labow-Daily, Carole O’Reilly-Carriere, Carole Panton, Catherine Day, Cheryl Wong, Linda Colpa, and Jennifer Schofield. At the Toronto Western Hospital: Annalee Schnurr, Moya Ashby, and Jennifer Sacco. In Iowa City during my fellowship were Leslie France, Jill Thalacker-Clark, and Carol Flabetich-Dickey. Finally, in San Francisco was Fletcher Woodward.

And thanks to my wife Frances, who has been my support and best friend throughout my career. And who proofread this manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The author has no financial interest nor conflict of interest to declare with regard to the content of this article. (But – I do declare a strong historical interest in the subject matter!)