The period from 1965 to 1974 was a transformative era for the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, who took the helm in 1967, the department experienced remarkable growth and innovation. This decade laid the foundation for many of the modern advancements in ophthalmology that we benefit from today.
Leadership and Faculty Expansion
The period from 1965 to 1974 was marked by significant leadership changes and faculty growth at the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology. In 1967, Dr. Frederick C. Blodi succeeded Dr. Alson E. Braley as the head of the department. Dr. Blodi's leadership was pivotal in steering the department towards new heights of excellence in both clinical practice and research.
Faculty Expansion and Collaboration
The department's growth was not limited to individual faculty members. Dr. Blodi fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary research and partnerships with other medical and scientific disciplines. This approach enhanced the department's research capabilities and facilitated the integration of new diagnostic and surgical techniques into clinical practice.
Research and Educational Initiatives
The expanded faculty brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, which was instrumental in the development of new research initiatives and educational programs. The department's residency and fellowship programs were expanded to accommodate more trainees, providing them with comprehensive education that integrated clinical practice with cutting-edge research.
Regular seminars, conferences, and grand rounds were organized, allowing faculty, residents, and fellows to present their research findings and discuss clinical cases. These events fostered a culture of inquiry and collaboration, essential for the department's continued growth and innovation.
The department's research efforts during this period were particularly focused on retinal diseases and glaucoma. Innovative diagnostic techniques were developed, enhancing the understanding and treatment of these conditions. The introduction of advanced imaging technologies allowed for better visualization of retinal diseases, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Clinical trials and studies were conducted to explore new treatments for retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The department's interdisciplinary collaborations further enriched its research capabilities, integrating insights from various medical and scientific fields.
In the realm of glaucoma, significant strides were made in early detection and monitoring. New screening methods and advanced imaging techniques were developed to track disease progression. Research efforts also led to the development of new medications and surgical techniques aimed at reducing intraocular pressure and preventing vision loss.
Educational Program Growth 1965-1974
Under the leadership of Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, the department expanded its residency program to accept five residents per year and increased its fellowship offerings to include subspecialties such as glaucoma, retina, and cornea. This period marked a strong emphasis on integrating clinical practice with pioneering research, particularly in areas like ocular microbiology and cataract formation.
Trainees received comprehensive hands-on training in both clinical and surgical settings, with opportunities to work on innovative techniques and technologies. This was complemented by exposure to cutting-edge research, including advancements in fundus photography and gonioscopy. The department's approach ensured that graduates were well-prepared to become leaders in the field of ophthalmology.
Regular seminars, conferences, and grand rounds provided platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration. These events often featured prominent guest speakers and facilitated discussions on the latest advancements in ophthalmology. Experienced faculty members, including renowned figures like Dr. Mansour F. Armaly, offered mentorship and guidance, nurturing the next generation of innovative ophthalmologists.
Blodi's Faculty, 1973
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Key Faculty Members Added from 1965 to 1974
Several notable faculty members joined the department during this period, each playing a crucial role in its development:
- Dr. Sohan S. Hayreh: Dr. Hayreh's research spanned over 60 years, during which he published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles and several books. He made significant advancements in understanding ocular circulation, optic nerve disorders, and various retinal and choroidal vascular conditions.
- Dr. Hansjoerg E. Kolder: He mentored residents in cataract surgery for over 20 years, conducted pioneering research on electrodiagnostic phenomena, and served as interim chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology. His legacy is honored through the naming of the electrodiagnostic laboratory and the establishment of a professorship in his name.
- Dr. Karl C. Ossoinig: renowned for developing and advancing the field of standardized echography, Dr. Ossoinig's work combined diagnostic A-scan, B-scan, and Doppler evaluations to enhance the accuracy of ocular diagnostics. As a professor and mentor, he significantly influenced the training of many ophthalmologists and contributed to the global adoption of these techniques.
- Dr. William E. Scott: A pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Scott's work in pediatric eye care and strabismus helped establish the department as a leader in this subspecialty.
- Dr. H. Stanley Thompson: Known for his kindness, humor, and dedication to teaching, Dr. Thompson was a pioneering neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Iowa, where he directed the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic for 30 years. He made significant contributions to the understanding of pupillary disorders and mentored countless residents, fellows, and faculty members.
Frederick C. Blodi was born in Vienna, Austria, on January 11, 1917. He received his M.D. from the University of Vienna, School of Medicine in 1940 and spent the war years as an intern and resident in pathology in various Viennese hospitals before completing a residency in ophthalmology at the First Ophthalmology Clinic of the University of Vienna.
How did Fred Blodi, born in 1917 in Vienna, Austria, end up in Iowa City? It is a story of the 1940s and is therefore complicated by World War II. Fred was raised in the village of Modling on the outskirts of Vienna. In 1939, in his last year of medical school, Fred became engaged to a young woman from Modling name Ottilie. Otty's father had American citizenship, so with the Germans on their doorstep, the family emigrated to America, and Otty went with them. That fall, the Germans arrived, and all medical students were drafted into the German army. Fred was allowed to complete his degree in 1940, and train in ophthalmology under Josef Meller and Josef Bock before entering the army as a medical officer. Towards the end of the war, Fred was helpful to some young Austrians who were contemplating an act of passive resistance to avoid serving in the German army. Fred was courtmartialed by the Germans and received an eight-year prison sentence. In the remaining months of the war, he was moved from one prison to another. Otty, in America, had not heard from him. She joined the WAC's, was assigned to Europe and she set about trying to find him. Meanwhile, Fred had been released from a prison in northern Austria and found his way back to Vienna. There, he and Otty found each other and they were married in 1946. In 1947, Fred came to America as a "war bride."
Supported by a stipend from the World Health Organization, he became a fellow with Algernon Reese at Columbia in New York City. There his locker, alphabetically assigned, was next to that of Alson E. Braley, and Blodi was impressed with Braley's generosity, affability, and openness. Something about Blodi must have also impressed Braley, because a few years later, as the new head of ophthalmology at Iowa, Braley invited him to join the faculty as an ophthalmic pathologist.
Fred Blodi became an associate professor in 1961, professor in 1965, and head of the department in 1967. During the years of Dr. Blodi's leadership (1967-1984), the Department of Ophthalmology's reputation was enhanced as one of the very best places in the world to learn ophthalmology. Dr. Blodi was the ideal academic physician. He was a scholar—a recognized expert in ophthalmic pathology, a skilled diagnostician and an accomplished surgeon, an administrator whose decision-making seems effortless, a devoted and thoughtful editor, and an indefatigable translator of medical books—but above all he was a teacher. As his former students will remember, he loved to teach!
He bubbled over with humor, but never strayed from the point of his lecture. He liked to show a few slides at the end of a talk; this sent a signal to the student, "We're almost finished, this is the summary, pay attention." The student left the lecture wide awake and pleased with the fresh pearls in the pocket. During Dr. Blodi's tenure as professor and head of the Department of Ophthalmology, more than 120 residents and 160 fellows were trained. An unusually large number have chosen academic careers.
Blodi was enormously energetic, always taking on new tasks and new responsibilities. He liked to brighten the mood with an amusing remark or a cheerful rejoinder. He was slow to take offence, preferring to say - with a smile, "Ve-er-ry funny!" As head of the department, he kept his desk cleared by addressing a problem only once, making a decision and sending on the paperwork. His memory was very quick, and he did most of his faculty administrative work in the hallway: he would see a faculty member coming and remember instantly the last three items they had been discussing together and all the ramifications of each problem. In less than a minute, he would comment on these issues, and turn the corner to talk to someone else. Faculty meetings were short.
Once Blodi began to apply his cheerful and effective collegiality to the AAO, the AOS and the ABO, new jobs and new honors and recognition came to him in abundance. He was the first foreign-trained ophthalmologist to become a director of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and was its chairman in 1975. He was president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1979, and president of the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology in 1982. The American Ophthalmological Society awarded him their Lucien Howe Medal in 1980, and elected him president in 1991; in 1995 they named him an "Honorary Member." I'm sure this modest sounding title pleased him a lot, because he recognized it as the society's strongest expression of affection and appreciation. In the 130-year history of the AOS, America's oldest medical specialty society, only two other people have been given all three of these honors: Arnold Knapp and Frederick Verhoeff. Oh yes, and he was the editor of the Archives of Ophthalmology for a decade in the 70s and 80s.
Dr. Fred Blodi died of a second stroke on October 30, 1996, while many of his colleagues were attending the annual Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Chicago. Very few of our current residents had the chance to get to know him because the aphasia and hemiplegia of his 1993 stroke prevented him from coming to our morning rounds.
Fred Blodi was in the department for 45 years, and I knew him for 35 of those years. His warmth and energy set the tone of the place. The graceful enthusiasm he brought to his teaching made his faculty work hard to become better teachers. He expected each of us to make a mark in our own subspecialty, and he knew that this required time to read, write and travel so we could hear what was new and could be seen by others in our field. Somehow we were never asked to see more patients and bring in more money, and there always seemed to be an extra hour in the afternoon during which we could have coffee with a resident or fellow and draw graphs on paper napkins in an effort to push our projects forward.
For years, Dr. Blodi worked tirelessly and brilliantly for his specialty in all parts of the world and especially for his adopted country and state. We in Iowa were very proud of him and his accomplishments and will honor his memory for a long, long time.
written by H. Stanley Thompson, M.D.
The Visionary of Vascular Ophthalmology: Dr. Sohan S. Hayreh
Early Life and Education
Dr. Sohan S. Hayreh, born in 1927 in Littran, Punjab, India, is a renowned ophthalmologist known for his groundbreaking research on the vascular circulation of the visual system and vascular diseases of the eye and optic nerve. Despite the challenges of growing up in a farming community where education was not prioritized, Dr. Hayreh's mother was determined that he would become a physician. He attended King Edward Medical College in Lahore, later moving to Punjab Medical College in Amritsar due to the partition of India, and earned his M.B.B.S. in 1951 and Master of Surgery in 1959.
Early Career and Research
Dr. Hayreh's early career included a surgical residency and a position as a Medical Officer in the Indian Army Medical Corps, which he used to supported his family financially. He then joined the anatomy department at
Government Medical College in Patiala, India, where he conducted significant research on the anatomy of the eye's vasculature. His work caught international attention, leading to a prestigious Beit Memorial Research Fellowship in 1961, which allowed him to move to London and work with Sir Stewart Duke-Elder at the University of London. His research during this period formed the basis of his Ph.D. thesis.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Joining the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology in 1973, Dr. Hayreh focused his research on ocular vascular disorders and optic nerve disorders, including glaucoma. He established the Ocular Vascular Experimental Laboratory and the Ocular Vascular Clinic, which became pivotal in advancing research and clinical practices in these areas.
One of Dr. Hayreh's notable achievements was the establishment of the Ocular Vascular Experimental Laboratory and the Ocular Vascular Clinic. These facilities, supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), allowed Dr. Hayreh to conduct extensive clinical and experimental research. His work in these labs led to groundbreaking discoveries in the understanding of ocular vascular diseases and optic nerve disorders.
Groundbreaking Research and Discoveries
Dr. Hayreh made several seminal contributions to ophthalmology during his time at the University of Iowa. He solved the long-standing enigma of the pathogenesis of optic disc edema in raised intracranial pressure, a mystery that had persisted since 1853. He also corrected misconceptions about the posterior ciliary artery and its role in the blood supply of the optic nerve head. His research demonstrated that nocturnal arterial hypotension plays a crucial role in optic nerve and ocular vascular ischemic disorders, significantly advancing the understanding of these conditions. His work on ocular circulation in health and disease, particularly optic nerve disorders, was considered groundbreaking and influential.
Continued Impact and Legacy
Dr. Hayreh's impact on the field of ophthalmology extends beyond his tenure at the University of Iowa. He published over 400 original peer-reviewed articles, six classical monographs, and more than 50 chapters in ophthalmic books. His research has influenced clinical practices and furthered research worldwide. Even after assuming professor emeritus status in 1999, Dr. Hayreh remained active in research and publishing, continuing to contribute to the understanding and treatment of vascular eye diseases. Dr. Hayreh's dedication to his field and his numerous contributions made him a respected figure in the medical community. His work continues to benefit patients and practitioners, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in ophthalmology.
Dr. Charlotte Burns—Iowa's first female ophthalmology resident & faculty member
Dr. Charlotte Burns (67R) holds a significant place in the history of the University of Iowa’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. As the first female resident in the department, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in the field of ophthalmology. Her journey was marked by determination and excellence, setting a high standard for those who followed.
Dr. Burns attended both undergrad and medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her father, Bobbie Burns, was a well-known orthopedic surgeon and faculty member. After medical school she was admitted to the University of Iowa ophthalmology residency program while Dr. Alson Braley was the department head.
After finishing her residency in 1967, Dr. Fredrick Blodi, the new head of the department, invited Dr. Burns to join the faculty at Iowa. She served on faculty at Iowa from 1968 to 1971 before returning to Wisconsin to practice.
Dr. Burns' tenure at the University of Iowa was not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for the institution. Her presence in the residency program highlighted the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in medical education. She excelled in both clinical and surgical training, earning the respect and admiration of her peers and mentors. Her contributions went beyond patient care; she was also involved in research and education, helping to advance the field of ophthalmology.
One of her most notable accomplishments was her pioneering research during her time at Iowa. During her residency training she was the second author on four different publications alongside Dr. Herman Burian. Her two most cited publications came as a faculty member at Iowa. Dr. Burns' most cited publication is still "Indomethacin, Reduced Retinal Sensitivity, and Corneal Deposits," which she published, as the sole author, in 1968. She was the third author on her second most cited publication, "The Iowa enucleation implant. A 10-year evaluation of technique and results," with the first two authors as Dr. Bruce Spivey, another young faculty member at Iowa, and Lee Allen, the famous artist and ophthalmic imaging pioneer.
In addition to her research, Dr. Burns was a dedicated educator. She played a crucial role in developing the curriculum for ophthalmology residents at the University of Iowa, ensuring that the program remained at the forefront of medical education. Her commitment to teaching and mentorship helped shape the careers of many young ophthalmologists, many of whom have gone on to make their own significant contributions to the field.
Throughout her career, Dr. Burns remained a dedicated advocate for women in medicine. She mentored many young female ophthalmologists, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the field of ophthalmology despite the challenges. Her legacy is reflected in the increasing number of women entering and excelling in ophthalmology at the University of Iowa today. Dr. Burns’ story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on an entire field, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Facilities and Infrastructure Growth 1965-1974
To support its growing research, clinical and educational needs from 1965 to 1974, the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology made significant upgrades to its facilities. Under the leadership of Dr. Frederick C. Blodi, an advanced diagnostic imaging suite was introduced, featuring state-of-the-art fundus cameras and slit-lamp biomicroscopes. Modern histology and pathology labs were established, equipped with the latest microscopes and staining techniques to support groundbreaking research in ocular diseases.
The expansion of clinical facilities included additional examination rooms, minor procedure rooms, and ambulatory surgical suites outfitted with cutting-edge surgical equipment. Specialized pediatric rooms were also created to provide tailored care for young patients, featuring child-friendly equipment and decor to ease the anxiety of young patients.
The integration of research and clinical spaces facilitated better collaboration between researchers and clinicians. This setup ensured that research findings, such as advancements in cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment, could be quickly translated into clinical practice. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and collaborative projects fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the department.
Community Outreach 1965-1974
The department's commitment to community outreach was evident through its mobile eye clinics, which traveled to rural and underserved areas in Iowa. These clinics provided essential eye care services, including screenings, treatments, and surgeries, to individuals with limited access to ophthalmic care.
Collaborations with local health organizations and community groups helped organize eye care camps and educational programs about eye health. The department also trained local healthcare providers and volunteers in basic eye care practices, ensuring continued care even after the mobile clinics had moved on.
The period from 1965 to 1974 was a time of remarkable growth and innovation for the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology. Under Dr. Blodi's leadership, the department made significant strides in research, education, and community outreach. These efforts not only advanced the field of ophthalmology but also set the stage for future achievements, solidifying the department's reputation as a leader in eye care and research.