Conexiant
Login
  • Corneal Physician
  • Glaucoma Physician
  • New Retinal Physician
  • Ophthalmology Management
  • Ophthalmic Professional
  • Presbyopia Physician
  • Retinal Physician
The Ophthalmologist
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Latest
    • Insights
    • Case Studies
    • Opinion & Personal Narratives
    • Research & Innovations
    • Product Profiles

    Featured Topics

    • Anterior Segment
    • Glaucoma
    • Retina

    Issues

    • Latest Issue
    • Archive
  • Subspecialties
    • Cataract
    • Cornea
    • Glaucoma
    • Neuro-ophthalmology
    • Oculoplastics
    • Pediatric
    • Retina
  • Business

    Business & Profession

    • Professional Development
    • Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Practice Management
    • Health Economics & Policy
  • Training & Education

    Career Development

    • Professional Development
    • Career Pathways

    Events

    • Webinars
    • Live Events
  • Events
    • Live Events
    • Webinars
  • Community

    People & Profiles

    • Power List
    • Voices in the Community
    • Authors & Contributors
  • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
Subscribe
Subscribe

False

Advertisement
The Ophthalmologist / Issues / 2019 / May / Star Gazing
Business and Entrepreneurship Pediatric Professional Development

Star Gazing

By Phoebe Harkin 5/28/2019 1 min read

Share

Once upon a time, people thought the world was flat. (Let’s forget, for a moment, that some still do.) In the fifth century BC, Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, apparently proposed the idea of a spherical Earth. Aristotle pushed the idea further, providing evidence on empirical grounds in 330 BC, based on his observations of the constellations. He was later followed by Eratosthenes in 240 BC, who determined the Earth’s circumference, and Ptolemy in the second century AD, who developed what we now know to be the systems of latitude, longitude, and climes. Evidence mounted during the Middle Ages, and a new way of thinking was adopted – eventually.

This journey from idea to evidence to change seems to apply to most scientific subjects, with practices altering to reflect our increased understanding or improved technology. Yet, strangely, visual field (VF) testing – the examination used to detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision – has remained virtually unchanged for decades. Doesn’t that seem odd, when you consider the significant leaps made in adjacent technologies, such as eye tracking and virtual reality? It is no wonder then that some are reinventing the test.

In this month’s feature, we speak to a few ophthalmologists and researchers – Peter Jones, Dan Lindfield, David Crabb, Chris Johnson and Tariq Aslam – pioneering a more inclusive testing model. They describe how they assess vision in children too young for standard automated perimetry and explain why it is time for a new approach – and not just for children.

On reflection, almost every contributor in this issue is pioneering a shift away from the status quo: whether they are fighting for mentorship programs for women in vision or the establishment of more robust approaches to genetic testing in paediatric eye disease. Like our early philosophers, these ophthalmologists are looking for evidence in the world around them, applying critical thinking to come up with new paradigms and, ultimately, making the world a better place for all of us.

About the Author(s)

Phoebe Harkin

I’ve always loved telling stories. So much so, I decided to make a job of it. I finished a Masters in Magazine Journalism and spent three years working as a creative copywriter before itchy feet sent me (back)packing. It took seven months and 13 countries, but I’m now happily settled on The Ophthalmologist, where I’m busy getting stuck into all things eyeballs.

More Articles by Phoebe Harkin

Related Content

Newsletters

Receive the latest Ophthalmology news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.

Newsletter Signup Image

False

Advertisement

False

Advertisement

Explore More in Ophthalmology

Dive deeper into the world of Ophthalmology. Explore the latest articles, case studies, expert insights, and groundbreaking research.

False

Advertisement
The Ophthalmologist
Subscribe

About

  • About Us
  • Work at Conexiant Europe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 Texere Publishing Limited (trading as Conexiant), with registered number 08113419 whose registered office is at Booths No. 1, Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, England, WA16 8GS.

Disclaimer

The Ophthalmologist website is intended solely for the eyes of healthcare professionals. Please confirm below: