Historical vignette: louis emile javal (1839-1907): the father of orthoptics.

Louis Émile Javal was a pioneer in the early history of orthoptics (Figure 1). To anyone knowledgeable about binocular vision, the name Javal conjures up discussions of physiological diplopia, stereoscopes, and fusion training exercises. Javal was a prolific designer of optical devices to use in orthoptic training and ushered in a new era of binocular instrumentation.1–4 Although Wheatstone is accredited with designing the first stereoscope, Javal was an admirer of the instrument and later designed his own version.1,3 He has often been called the Father of Orthoptics.1, 4, 5 He was influenced by his family’s history of strabismus. The Javal grid is an instrument of historic interest to most orthoptists, and the principle on which it is based is still in common use (Figure 2). He wrote his Manual of Strabismus in 1896.6 Javal was also well known in general ophthalmology circles for his interest in intraocular pressure and keratometry. He developed several instruments such as the Javal-Schiøtz ophthalmometer. His refraction technique combined the use of a retinoscope with a keratometer. Javal had a particular interest in astigmatism, perhaps in part because of his own refractive error.7, 8 In an ironic twist of fate, he lost his vision in later life from glaucoma and became an advocate for blind people, even writing a book discussing practical adaptation to blindness. He was also an enthusiastic disciple of Esperanto and encouraged blind