An outline history of ophthalmology in Australia.

The first ophthalmologists came to Australia from Great Britain in the early 1860s and founded charitable eye hospitals on the British pattern. For many years, during which Australian States remained colonies of Great Britain, all specialist medical training was obtained overseas. World War II greatly accelerated Australian independence and stimulated Australian technology, science, education, culture and economics. Australian ophthalmologists met the challenge with tight organization, home-based training, academic responsibilities and research.