Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the eye. The history of ophthalmology can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who had some knowledge of eye diseases and their treatments. In the 19th century, ophthalmology became a recognized medical specialty and many advances were made in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
Today, ophthalmology is a rapidly advancing field, with new treatments and technologies being developed to treat a wide range of eye diseases and conditions. Ophthalmologists work closely with optometrists, opticians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care for their patients’ eyesight.
The Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum boasts one of the most extensive Ophthalmology collections around. Collected by Dr. Barton Halpern, this collection shows a range of historical information and medical advancements in the field.
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL ART
On top is an original painting of the eye by Artist Miles Halpern showing most of the commonly identified structures of the eye.
Adjacent to the painting (to the right) is a digital image of the painting, identifying the structures seen in the painting.
Below is a poster by famed medical artist Frank Netter, showing structures involved in vision including the eye, optic nerves, and brain.
DOCTOR SHINGLE
The “doctor shingle” originated in the 1800’s and was made of an actual roof shingle. This shingle was from the Ephrata ophthalmology practice of Dr. Barton L. Halpern and was made on short notice by his wife Leslie around 1985, by modifying an older discarded “shingle”.
DR HARRY CULBERTON FULTON
OBITUARY OF DR HARRY CULBERTON FULTON: Dr Fulton is considered Lancaster’s 1st Ophthalmologist. He was born in 1885, began his practice in 1916, became Lancaster’s 1st full-time board-certified ophthalmologist, worked for 58 years, retired in 1974 (at the age of 88), and died on June 6, 1989, at the age of 103.
EYE DOCTOR’S OFFICE: LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY
This exhibit contains instruments that would have been found in the typical eye doctor’s office (Ophthalmologist or Optometrist) at the beginning of the 1900s.
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