Optical connections: Heavenly sight

Assistance for the visually impaired has come a long way since the technique of ‘couching’ cataracts was described three thousand years ago in Babylonia and the treatment of ocular ailments by dubious concoctions of ground-up animal, vegetable and mineral ingredients in Greek and Roman times. We have sophisticated surgical, laser and pharmacological treatments for eye disease, and a huge range of appliances for the improvement of vision. But what to do if all else fails – say a prayer? Perhaps. But to whom?

In Christian tradition there are many saints who are patron of, or connected with, a wide range of medical conditions and medical practitioners. Those saints most associated with sight are St Lucy, St Odilia and, to a degree, St Jerome.