Pediatric Ophthalmology: origins, organization of the service at the turn of the century, and the key role of independent departments

    Abstract

    Lecture

    Pediatric Ophthalmology: origins, organization of the service at the turn of the century, and the key role of independent departments

    S.A. Obrubov, A.S. Obrubov

    Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Botkin Moscow City Ophthalmological Center, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation

    This review covers a broad area of ophthalmology, focusing on the challenges of providing vision care for all children in need, from birth (including both full-term and premature infants) up to the age of eighteen. It also addresses the development and implementation of preventive measures for diseases and injuries affecting the auxiliary structures and tissues of the eye.

    Pediatric ophthalmology originated from pediatrics, which itself emerged as a branch of obstetrics. In Russia, pediatrics became an independent medical specialty in the 19th century.

    During that period, as well as in the 18th century, it was common to combine various medical fields, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and early forms of pediatric ophthalmology. The differentiation of medical disciplines was still in its initial stages.

    Review also emphasizes the role of pediatric ophthalmology services and independent ophthalmology departments in higher education institutions in advancing the field. It also includes an analysis of extensive proprietary and archival materials.

    Keywords: pediatric ophthalmology, pediatrics, organization of pediatric ophthalmology services, organization of independent ophthalmology departments at pediatric faculties in higher educational institutions

    For citation: Obrubov S.A., Obrubov A.S. Pediatric Ophthalmology: origins, organization of the service at the turn of the century, and the key role of independent departments. Rossiyskaya detskaya oftalmologiya. 2026;1(55): 38–47.

    DOI: 10.25276/2307-6658- 2026-1-38-47

    Corresponding author: Sergey A. Obrubov, obrubovs@ yandex.ru