Historical Vignette: Alfred Bielschowsky, 1871–1940: Ophthalmologist, Innovative Scientist, and Influential Teacher

Abstract

Alfred Bielschowsky was a German ophthalmologist who lived the last few years of his life in the United States. He was a major influence in the field of strabismus. From his short textbook Lectures on Motor Anomalies to his insightful research and teaching, as well as his clinical acumen and innovative methods, he was a wellknown and respected giant in the field. His d~scription of the head tilt test, used to assess oblique muscle dysfunction, is now a standard part of the evaluation of any vertical muscle palsy (Figure 1).1·7