(1913–1998)

“He produced more professors of ophthalmology than any other person who ever lived.” —Lorenz E. Zimmerman, MD
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Edward Maumenee, the son of an ophthalmologist from Mobile, Alabama, said once he wanted to become the best ophthalmologist in the world, and many believe he achieved that goal. In addition to being an extremely highly regarded cataract and corneal transplant surgeon, he also classified disorders of the macula, discovered an important immune response in the rejection of corneal tissue, and made pioneering contributions to the understanding and treatment of retinal malfunctions and glaucoma. Maumenee served as director of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1955–1979 and was director emeritus until he died last year. He was instrumental in focusing national attention on the problem of blindness, in the formation of a national eye-banking system, and in the 1968 creation of the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. His role in the development of clinical and basic science in ophthalmology is of lasting importance.

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