University of Virginia Library

First Ophthalmology

In 1898 he was appointed the
first professor of ophthalmology
and otolaryngology at the University,
serving as chairman of
the department of ophthalmology
from 1906 until reaching the age
of compulsory retirement in 1939.
He continued his private practice
until 1960.

Throughout his long career Dr.
Hedges has investigated, taught,
and made many contributions in
both medical and non-medical
fields.

Inventing a model to demonstrate
how rays of light come
into focus at the back of the
myopic, hyperbolic and astigmatic
eye, he proved that colored wave
lengths have varied receptions in
the eye. He also studied and applied
the advanced French methods
of photography to the practice
of ophthalmology.