Department History Book

Alan D. Letson, MD, alumnus and retina faculty, has been dedicating much of his time writing a 400 page complete historical account of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences from 1914-2023. The book was completed late fall of 2023, and will be published Spring 2024. The book is divided into three sections.

• Part 1, “The Big Picture”, provides an overview, or summaries, of the early medical school and ophthalmology department, the various administrations of the department chairs, the development of the department’s culture, faculty and major events, challenges and accomplishments.
• Part 2, “The Details”, provides a more focused look into the development of the department’s ophthalmic specialties and technologies, educational programming, research efforts, ancillary services and staff, and progress in fundraising and outreach efforts.
• Part 3, “The Stories Behind the Stories”, includes the edited interview transcripts of a representative sample of the individual experiences of eleven of the history makers, adding nuance and context to their times. A chapter of conclusions, followed by appendices of historical information complete Part 3.

Individually, these parts can stand on their own, providing an accounting of our history, each in differing form and focus; together they provide a representative view of our history from many perspectives, hopefully allowing the reader to form a more complete understanding of the department and its people, culture, accomplishments, challenges, goals and aspirations, and the needs required to meet future challenges and attain those goals.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the history book, please email us with your mailing address. Click here to Pay it forward for future generations.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Havener Eye Institute at The Ohio State University and the many medical students, residents, staff and faculty with whom I have had the privilege to work since 1976, to my family, and mostly to my wife Sue, who has been with me from the beginning and tolerated the long hours of my absences while I spent time at the clinic and office, and in the OR at night and on weekends, responding to 3:00 am phone calls, and holing up in my cluttered study finishing evening dictations, lecture prep or administrative tasks, all while she managed our family, home, and her own career. So many individuals have provided the basis and support for an amazing career and life; I am humbled and exceedingly grateful.

- Alan D. Letson, MD.