Echoes of the Past: Optometry in the US

Differences between the optometric professions of the US and the UK are marked, with practitioners having additional scope for treatment in practice and wider use of eye care insurance schemes just two examples. For the practitioner of today, keeping up to speed with these differences is fairly easy, but in 1939, in-depth first-hand accounts of international professions were rare.

Frank Dickinson’s article from the August 4 edition of Optician gave a thorough account of American optometry, from business conditions to practice design. A visit to Maryland presented Dickinson with the opportunity to speak to the owner of one of the town’s main street practices, Dr Martin Roos. Dickinson noted the practice’s attractive décor and the glass bowl window feature – complete with glass fish. ‘Clearly this Dr Roos was more than an optometrist. He was something of an artist,’ he said.