First Eye InfirmaryIn 1820, the first U.S. eye hospital, was founded in New York City in two rooms at 45 Chatham Street. A young physician, Dr. Edward Delafield (17 May 1794 - 13 Feb 1875), conceived the idea to establish an institution for the exclusive treatment of diseases of the eye. He was assisted by his friend, Dr. John Kearney Rodgers (1793-1851), and others. In 1821, it was organized as the The New York Eye Infirmary. Hundreds of people were saved from blindness at a time that certain affections of the eye had been regarded as incurable. The charity's 35th Annual Report recorded serving 2,652 patients with diseases of the eye and 400 with diseases of the ear. From 30 Apr 1864, it was named the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.« |
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