11 July: Tribute to Ferdinand Monoyer

OV Digital Desk
3 Min Read
Ferdinand Monoyer

 

Image Courtesy: Google Doodle

Ferdinand Monoyer (9 May 1836 – 11 July 1912) was a French ophthalmologist, known for introducing the dioptre in 1872.

He invented the Monoyer chart, used to test visual acuity. He inserted his name in the random letters of the chart. It appears when one reads vertically from bottom to top on each side.

Life and Career

Ferdinand Monoyer, born on 9 May 1836, rose to prominence as one of France’s most famous ophthalmologists. He developed the diopter, the unit of measurement for vision that’s still used today. The diopter measures the distance you’d have to be from text to read it. Most notably, Monoyer devised an eye chart where every row represents a different diopter, from smallest to largest.

Monoyer was known to change the font of a particular letter if it didn’t suit him; after all, if you’re going to judge a person’s vision by it, that letter had better be as legible as possible! If you look closely at today’s Doodle, you might be able to spot a tribute to another of Monoyer’s signatures: his name, hidden in the chart.

Ferdinand Monoyer passed away on 11 July 1912, at the age of 76.

Award and Legacy

Ferdinand Monoyer’s legacy as an ophthalmologist and inventor has endured long after his death. His Monoyer chart is still widely used today in eye exams, and his contributions to the field of ophthalmology have helped countless patients to maintain healthy vision. Monoyer’s name has also been immortalized in the world of science with the term “monocular,” which is used to describe anything related to one eye.

On 9 May 2017, Google celebrated Ferdinand Monoyer’s 181st birthday with a doodle.

FAQ on Ferdinand Monoyer

What is Ferdinand Monoyer best known for?

Ferdinand Monoyer is best known for inventing the Monoyer chart, a tool used to measure visual acuity.

What other contributions did Ferdinand Monoyer make to ophthalmology?

Ferdinand Monoyer also measured the thickness of the cornea, developed a new type of microscope, and made other contributions to the field of ophthalmology.

When did Ferdinand Monoyer pass away?

Ferdinand Monoyer passed away on July 11, 1912, at the age of 76.

What is the legacy of Ferdinand Monoyer?

Ferdinand Monoyer’s legacy as an ophthalmologist and inventor has endured long after his death. His Monoyer chart is still widely used today in eye exams, and his contributions to the field of ophthalmology have helped countless patients to maintain healthy vision.

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