American medicine was largely formed from English standards. However, Americans tended to adapt these standards to better suit our emerging democratic ideals and society. Ophthalmology in America clearly demonstrates this evolution as the specialty was shaped by European medical innovation but also adapted to better suit the unique social, economic and political structure of the United States. By examining both medicine and American society we can come to a better understanding of how American ophthalmology was formed.

18th Century American Medicine

The Birth of Modern American Medicine

The Birth of Modern American Ophthalmology

Building on Innovations: The American Academy of Ophthalmology