Understanding the past to inform a better future

David Goss, O.D., Ph.D., is a longtime AOA member and served as the esteemed editor of Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History from 1995 through 2024. With a significant body of published work behind him, he reflects on the importance of preservation, optometric history and working to advance the profession.

The AOA thanks Dr. Goss for his exceptional contributions as he plans to retire as Hindsight editor following the completion of the upcoming issue.

Why is it important for young doctors and students to learn about optometry history?

I remember reading somewhere that being grateful is important for mental well-being. In learning about optometry history, one can’t help but be grateful for all that our forebears did for our profession.

Second, knowing about optometry’s history gives one a sense of pride. Those who have provided optometric services have always been important to those they served even before the use of the term “optometry” was adopted in the early 20th century.

 Third, it has been pointed out many times that knowing about the past helps one anticipate the future. Besides all that, who doesn’t enjoy a good story? The history of optometry is a great story.

What is one of the most important/special Hindsight articles that you’ve written or issues that you’ve published?

I don’t think I could identify one article as most important, but I especially enjoyed researching and writing biographical sketches. I wrote about more than 70 individuals important to optometry. Included were some of my biggest heroes in optometry history, such as:

• LeRoy Ryer (1880-1972), known particularly for work advocating professionalism and suggesting an academy of optometry organization;
• Charles Sheard (1883-1963), whose biggest contributions may have been in optometric testing; and
• Henry Hofstetter (1914-2002), former AOA president, my graduate school advisor, and co-founder of the Optometric Historical Society.

It’s hard to think of one issue of Hindsight as being most important. With the help of the Optometric Historical Society Committee members, we have published some theme issues on topics such as soft contact lenses, military optometry, women in optometry and optometric education and have highlighted some of the greatest contributions to optometry.   

How did you balance all of the different projects that you simultaneously worked on throughout your career?

I tried to set aside specific blocks of time for each project. That included personal time, such as for regular exercise. Sometimes a good jog helped clear the mind and yield a solution to a sticky point. Multitasking never worked for me. I felt I was more efficient and productive concentrating on one thing at a time. I tried to set personal deadlines ahead of the actual due date for projects to allow time for unanticipated difficulties.

What advice would you give to young doctors about balancing opportunities?

When you commit to a project, be clear on things such as expectations, due date, what has been done previously and who to contact with questions. If you see a need for something and feel like you would be a good person to get it done, go ahead and volunteer. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to say no if you are asked to do something that you don’t think you could commit to wholeheartedly. Doing well on one project can lead to more opportunities.