“Gorillas out of the mist”: A pediatric ophthalmologist in the zoo

Abstract

Charles Darwin explored natural selection during his 4-year trip on the HMS Beagle. From findings of this expedition he constructed his evolution theory. In this Knapp Lecture I would like to take you as a pediatric ophthalmologist on a journey through the Rotterdam Zoo. It will explain why a pediatric ophthalmologist is the perfect eye consultant for a zoo. You will see why an abnormal head position developed in a penguin, anisocoria in a rabbit owl, uveitis and glaucoma as a late complication of a mature cataract in a mouse maki. Retinitis pigmentosa was discovered in a potto. PHPV/PFV is not only seen in humans but also in sand wallaby. Cataract surgery in a Przewalski horse, a snow owl, a codfish, and a Californian sea lion will be demonstrated. Cataract surgery with IOL implantation saved vision and social status in two young lowland gorillas. Working as a pediatric ophthalmologist in a zoo is a privileged learning experience, which gives positive cross-fertilization between animal and human sciences. It is an amazing experience to see how natural selection has given all species the most optimal visual system adapted for their specific habitat.