Jeroen Grimbergen

Ijsselstein, The Netherlands

Purpose: The first attempts to produce photographs of the human fundus were done in the second half of the end of the 19th century, shortly after the introduction of the ophthalmoscope. Although the centre of development of fundus cameras lay in Germany, considerable improvements were made in the Netherlands by professor Salomonson, who built his camera in 1917. It is one example of contributions of Dutch scientists to ophthalmic photography. In the early 60’s Fundus Fluoresceine Angiography was introduced in the Netherlands. Many ophthalmic photographers were trained by Albert Aandekerk, whose work meant a great contribution to the quality of imaging. Since the introduction of digital imaging techniques the tasks of ophthalmic photographers have changed. In general hospitals, ophthalmic imaging is carried out by optometrists and ophthalmic technicians. Only at University Centres and the Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Ophthalmic photographers are employed. The OFN (Ophthalmic Photographers Society) was founded in 1997. It is a platform for those who are interested in ophthalmic imaging. Its annual symposium in Rotterdam is always well attended.