The fight against blindness

Abstract

We publish this address, delivered to the University on the 12th December 1962, as a Foundation Day oration for intrinsic interest. There is a surmisal that the number of blind persons in Malta may not have changed greatly since 1958, but a Blind Persons census is being taken now and the new figure should be available soon. The main aim of this oration is primarily to focus on the theme regarding the prevention of blindness and secondly, to assess our achievement in this field. The importance of taking benefit from modern preventive medicine and surgery in order to save one`s sight is outlined. A brief history of ophtalmology is presented and reference is made to Gullstrand, besides the recent important discovery by Barraquer. The honour of being the founder of Maltese ophthalmology goes to Professor L. Manche (1846-1921), who held the first chair of ophthalmology in our University from 1880 to 1907. Further reference is focused on the achievements attained by Professor L. Preziosi. Noteworthy is the fact that Malta has been the first place in the Mediterranean where trachoma has been eradicated. Thanks to the efforts of the Education Department, the first Maltese Centre for the Blind was founded in 1958. In this place about thirty blind persons are being taught reading, writing and a handicraft. Furthermore, this year, a Society for the Blind was inaugurated. It is hoped that it will consider all problems dealing with the welfare, advancement, registration and employment of blind persons.