Dr. David James Wood (1865-1937): Father of Ophthalmology and First Medical Specialist in South Africa

The Ophthalmological Society of South Africa decided to name its most prestigious lecture after D.J. Wood, the first ophthalmologist and first medical specialist in South Africa. Since then D.J. Wood has become familiar to every OSSA member through the D.J. Wood memorial lectures at their Congresses. For many years there was only had scanty anecdotal information about the man himself, and only one photo seen annually at the lecture. If one, however, starts exploring the life of D.J. Wood, a character is revealed who has many remarkably different facets. These previously unknown aspects of his life and work are still relevant to any ophthalmologist today. With the publication of Dr. Hodgson’s book, for the first time we have a comprehensive history and full view of the life of Dr. D.J. Wood. (Dr. Gideon du Plessis, Ophthalmologist, Pretoria Eye Institute, South Africa.)