Responsibility of ophthalmologists in era of social revolution.

Abstract

It is customary for the Chairman's Address to be concerned with matters of general interest rather than specific scientific subjects. In reviewing the addresses of the past 25 years, I find that they usually stress the glories of the past, the attainments of the present, and the bright prospects for the future. Rarely have I found any suggestion that ophthalmologic practice has faults. As Dr. Alan Woods said in his presidential address before the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmologists are not loath to festoon the facade of their ophthalmological mansions with garlands of flowers but are somewhat reluctant to examine the plumbing. Therefore, I have taken as my text the responsibility of ophthalmologists in the era of socialrevolution. In it I am critical, but this criticism, I hope, will be considered constructive rather than destructive. At present, the medical profession as a whole is being criticized from various quarters, and