I n 1960 I wrote an editorial for The Pennsylvania Optometrist. At a recent meeting of the American Optometric Foundation board, of which I am a Director, I proposed that the editorial be reworked and published in Optometry and Vision Science. The Editor felt that the message was no less germane than it was 40 years ago, so with his consent and some minor changes to render the discussion more contemporary, I share my perspective on the importance of research to our profession. Research has been called “a way of making Nature talk,” but Nature guards her secrets with intense jealousy and is loathed to speak. Research is the arduous road to discovery. As we engage in research we begin to appreciate its far-reaching effects, the ways in which it concerns all of us, and the close fellowship between research and good teaching as well as clinical practice. There are at least two basic reasons for conducting research: first, the practical—the desire to find useful ideas, and second, and more fundamental, the attempt to satisfy our curiosity about his or her environment. In its practical aspect, research sees a need and seeks a solution. In its most fundamental aspect, research results in understandings which often lead to a practical application. It is most interesting to realize how many common and highly useful techniques have been developed out of the understandings gained from fundamental studies which in themselves had no immediate practical application. For example, the stroboscope was invented by Joseph Plateau to satisfy his curiosity about the complicated motion of insect wings in flight. Sir John Herschell's early concept of the contact lens as a protective tunic to a pathologic eye was, in 1827, a bold prediction. Yet, from this early prediction we find today a broad and impressive list of contact lens uses—a most valued visual aid to optometric practice. In short, research has far reaching effects, many of which we cannot predict as having any immediate usefulness. To many, research is an ivory tower occupation. As a consequence, the optometrist who may view research as an esoteric pursuit often misses promising opportunities in clinical optometry. Perhaps a more inclusive concept of research can be fostered if we become more cognizant of its consequences for optometric practice, for the ways in which vital optometric research can be encouraged, and, ultimately, for its benefits to society. In each century of our modern era, research has played a significant part. In the past century, investigations in the field of geriatrics have led to understanding and practices resulting in lengthening the life expectancy. Moreover, research creates the necessity for further research, because new problems arise as the result of the solution of others. The optometrist needs turn no further than his or her own field to see the validity of this statement. The expanded role of visual care, the more comprehensive treatment of low vision patients, and the preventive approach to the care of children's vision—these are but a few of the urgent research problems which are meaningful both to society and to the optometric profession. There are qualities of mind typical of the researcher; these qualities are equally necessary to all who would discipline their thought and action. For example, research develops an alertness to the apparently inconsequential. In carrying out a research project, the investigator finds it essential to be forever on the alert for the unexpected result by which new knowledge is revealed. Research also provides knowledge and familiarity with one of the highways of discovery. The study and reading essential in carrying out a research project demands an intensity of effort that is as different from casual learning as is exploring the countryside different from following a highly detailed map. The gratification of such an excursion is heightened by the ultimate arrival at the end of the charted road where exploration into the unknown begins. Exciting as its findings may sometimes be, research also demands a respect for persistent routine. Inspiration and glamour are not prominent in the continual plodding which is demanded. The researcher patiently repeats the experiment again and again, week upon week, changing the procedure, perfecting the technique, analyzing the failures, doggedly pursuing his or her goal with no assurance of reaching it. The rewards of research like that of optometric practice demands countless inglorious hours of stubborn work. The discovery may be very modest. Often it is a negative finding. Yet it is a discovery—light into the darkness—a penetration beyond the frontier. The optometrist who is imbued with the spirit of investigation, augmented by research experience, will be more persistent in his or her diagnostic searchings, in his or her corrective efforts, or in his or her self-evaluation. Under the leadership of the American Optometric Foundation (AOF), optometric educators and researchers have carried out research studies that have contributed significantly to the art and science of visual care. These accomplishments, though frequently unheralded, must continue and expand. Some 50 years ago a small group of enlightened leaders organized this Foundation for the purpose of carrying out at least 4 important and needed projects: research, the publication of textbooks, the provision of student aid, and the development of professional optometric practice. Our Foundation is now in its 6th decade of development. Although the Foundation stands for the accomplishment of a number of vital objectives, it is perhaps best known and recognized for its sponsorship of graduate study and research. In this sponsorship it has made vital contributions to both the development of optometric educators and to the support and encouragement of significant research projects. It has been a true leader in fostering a greater appreciation of the need for and the importance of research in clinical optometry. The award of one of the original AOF Fellowships, since renamed the Ezell Fellowships, has been a singular honor that I will always cherish. Through graduate study and research, it was possible for me to venture upon “one of the highways of discovery leading into the unknown.” The broad field of my study was concerned with vision in relation to achievement in reading. The early portion of this research considered the visual anomaly, aniseikonia, in relation to reading achievement. The purpose was to investigate the differences in the frequency and severity of aniseikonia between groups of good and poor readers in the elementary grades. Specifically, the study determined whether the presence of a clinically significant amount of aniseikonia inhibits reading growth, and whether professions devoted to visual care should include a measurement for aniseikonia in the visual analysis of a child who is not achieving in reading at his or her capacity. A later aspect of the research was a study of the relationship of visual perception to reading achievement in a first grade population. Francis Bacon once said “I hold every man a debtor to his profession.” An investment in our Foundation is truly an investment in the future of optometry. As research continues and expands, optometric horizons are extended. Research requires the effort and support of not only the trained researcher in optometry but also the enthusiastic support of the practitioner. In the end all share in the pride of accomplishment. Let us hope that a greater number of optometrists can join with Duke-Elder in saying “research is worthwhile because the finding out of new things, of being alive, of being a spearhead in world progress, is always great fun.” Making a financial contribution to the American Optometric Foundation is one of the finest means of furthering progress within our profession. I urge you to keep in touch with current research and other activities sponsored by your AOF by visiting the AOF Booth at this year's Academy Meeting. You can also visit the Foundation's website, http://www.ezell.org, or call Christine Armstrong at the AOF office (800-368-6263).
Alfred A. Rosenbloom (Thu,) studied this question.