Ophthalmology in Japan.

Abstract

Many changes have taken place recently in the field of ophthalmology in Japan. To help readers appreciate these fully, I will first include a brief history of ophthalmology in our country. The Society of Japanese Ophthalmology (SJO) was founded in Tokyo in 1887. Ninety-five ophthalmologists attended the first congress, where 17 papers were presented. The SJO grew to 581 members by 1900, and to 7,177 by 1984. Originally, the SJO was organized to develop basic and clinical science, as was the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 1930, the Japan Ophthalmologists Association (JOA) was founded. There were 800 charter members whose major aims were the prevention of blindness and the ethical education of ophthalmologists. The JOA also intended to look after the interests of ophthalmic practitioners. By 1984, the number of members had increased to 7,785. The two societies have had a very cooperative relationship, and most ophthalmologists have held concurrent