The knight of ophthalmology: Sir Stewart Duke-Elder

Abstract

As you delve into the life and accomplishments of the individual being discussed in this piece, you may find yourself momentarily perplexed. The list of achievements is extensive enough to prompt a double-take—does it all pertain to a single individual, or perhaps two? Additionally, the man in question goes by two names instead of one, further adding to the confusion. THE STORY OF A LEGEND Sir Stewart Duke-Elder was born in Dundee, Scotland, on April 22, 1898. Born to a family of meager means, he poured his wholesome efforts into his education, earning several gold medals during his schooling and getting a special distinction in Physiology during his MA at St. Andrews. He then pursued his medical education at the Royal Infirmary, Dundee, and Edinburgh.[1] He made his first mark in the field of Ophthalmology when he established the Institute of Ophthalmology in 1948 and served as its director for a whopping 17 years. The institute served as a hub, nurturing new clinicians and scientists by enabling their training and various research activities. He continued to be the life president and emeritus director of research in the institute, even after his retirement in 1965.[2] In 1923, he earned his fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He joined forces with Sir John Parsons later on as his clinical assistant, which later blossomed into a lifelong collaboration and friendship. This prompted Duke-Elder’s efforts to promote healthy mergers among various ophthalmologists, which he found was essential for growth in the field. He worked to coordinate the merger of the Council of British Ophthalmology and the Association of British Ophthalmologists to create the Faculty of Ophthalmologists in 1945. He oversaw the faculty as its first president and ensured that the association was well represented on the Council of Royal College of Surgeons.[3] Stewart’s work plunged into glaucoma in 1926, with his research work on intraocular pressure in correlation with the osmotic pressure of blood and pressure equilibrium dynamics in the eye. He was the first person to measure intraocular pressure through the cannulation of retinal vessels. In 1932, he secured his knighthood for his acumen in glaucoma management, which he used to treat the then-prime minister of England, James Ramsey MacDonald. He went on to become the Surgeon-Oculist to three consecutive monarchs, Edward VIII, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II, holding the post of royal surgeon for almost 29 years. Duke-Elder published his first book in 1927, named “Recent Advances in Ophthalmology.” He also contributed heavily to various volumes of “Textbook of Ophthalmology” in 1932 and “System of Ophthalmology” in 1958. His most famous work, which has stood testament to time, remains his book, “The Practice of Refraction,” which lingers as the go-to book on optics and refraction, for every neophyte ophthalmologist.[4] During the 1920s, while working as a clinical assistant for Parsons, he had the opportunity to meet Phyllis Edgar, his future wife, and a fellow ophthalmologist. They shared a plethora of common interests, supporting each other in their academic pursuits, clinical practice, and personal lives. It is difficult to adequately capture the extensive accomplishments of this legendary figure in just a few words. His contributions to the field of ophthalmology have stood the test of time and laid the foundation for future developments. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.