Optometric Historical Society

In the fall of 1969, American Optometric Association (AOA) Past President Henry W. Hofstetter, O.D., Ph.D., and Librarian Maria Dablemont spearheaded the formation of the Optometric Historical Society (OHS) to protect and promote the historical legacy of the profession of optometry.

Through its support of The Archives & Museum of Optometry, the OHS encourages the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and archival material that document the history of the profession, practice and science of optometry and the optical industry.

The OHS also organizes its annual Blast from the Past event held in conjunction with AOA’s Optometry’s Meeting®. All optometry students are invited to submit an entry about an influential person, event or development in optometry history in any form of media.

Finally, the OHS encourages the submission of research, recollections, and letters to its bi-annual journal Hindsight published in cooperation with the Indiana University School of Optometry and available through a free digital subscription or as individual print issues through the AOA Marketplace. To access any Hindsight journal articles, visit here.

Blast from the Past Challenge

Visit The Archives & Museum of Optometry

National Optometry Hall of Fame