American Ophthalmology Grows Up: Turbulent Years from 1908-1915*

History of the American Board of Ophthalmology*

“…Those interested in improving the situation recognized three needs: first, to provide facilities for proper graduate training; second, to arrange for testing the qualifications of specialists; and finally, the most difficult, to induce these practitioners to submit to such testing. 3 Derrick T. Vail (the elder),12 during the course of his presidential address before the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology in Cleveland in 1908, spoke as follows:…”

The Influence of Derrick T. Vail Sr, MD, and Edward M. Jackson, MD, on the Creation of the American Board of Ophthalmology and the Specialist Board System in the United States

“…As a result, there was considerable debate about what should be taught to medical students about the eye and refraction, what general practitioners should know, and even what approach should be made to state licensing boards. 6,[20][21][22][23][24][25] The improved understanding of refraction had profoundly changed ophthalmic practice, so that an apparently menial task originally left to opticians and to jewelers now became of economic importance to the oculists. Despite the concerns about quality of care and training, as well as the effort devoted not only to distinguishing between oculists and opticians but also to ensuring that the public knew the difference, the underlying issue was one of competition and economic security.…”

“…Jackson, aware that the University of Oxford (Oxford, England) and the University of Liverpool (Liverpool, England) had established courses leading to a doctoral degree in ophthalmology, had recently implemented a similar course at the University of Colorado in Denver. 6,37 However, his suggestion of bestowing a doctorate as a means of distinguishing those who had undergone proper specialty training generated considerable controversy. Nevertheless, Jackson's overall approach met with approval.…”

“…In 1908, he delivered the presidential address. 5 In 1939, Beach 6 quotes from the speech as evidence for the pivotal role of Vail in the establishment of the ABO. Cordes and Rucker 7 in 1962 repeat the claim.…”

Edward Jackson, MD

“…Previous reports credit Derrick T. Vail Sr, MD, with first expressing the concept that there should be a requirement for completion of standardized training and an examination process before a physician might practice ophthalmology. 2 In this issue of the Archives, O'Day and Ladden 3 have meticulously explored the background leading to the formation of the American Board of Ophthalmology. The planning process brought together individuals from the ophthalmology section of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Ophthalmological Society.…”