Ignacio Barraquer (1884-1965) and the Barraquer family of ophthalmologists

Abstract

T he Barraquer name is well known among ophthalmologists. The Barraquer family has produced generations of ophthalmologists who continue to be productive today. The role of the Barraquer family in ophthalmology may be clarified by understanding its most prominent member, Ignacio Barraquer. Ignacio was one of the great Spanish ophthalmologists of the 20th century. His ideas, instruments and surgical techniques are still in use today. Both of his sons, whom he trained, as well as several grandchildren are currently internationally recognized ophthalmologists. Ignacio was born on Mar. 25, 1884, in Barcelona. He was the second generation of what has become four generations of outstanding ophthalmologists. His father, Jose Antonio Barraquer Roviralta, was one of the founders of the specialty of ophthalmology in Spain. I Jose founded the chair of ophthalmology at the University of Barcelona and was a leader in the study of the hi~tology of the eye.I In addition, in 1888 he initiated the teaching of ophthalmology in Spanish medical schools. Interestingly, Jose's brother, Llufs Barraquer Roviralta (1855-1928), founded the specialty of neurology in Spain and was the first to describe progressive, or partial, lipodystrophy, otherwise known as Barraquer's syndrome.2,3 Jose Barraquer began teaching Ignacio ophthalmology while Ignacio was still a young boy (Fig. 1). Ignacio entered medical school at the University of Barcelona and received his medical degree in 1908. After his graduation he spent 1 year taking special classes in physics and chemistry in Paris. In 1909 he was granted