The National Library of Medicine hosted annual History of Ophthalmology conferences beginning in 1988. They were initiated by Dr. David G. Cogan, former director of neuro-ophthalmology at the National Eye Institute. Cogan led Harvard's Howe Laboratory from 1940 to 1974 before assuming his position with NIH. He continued after 1985 as a senior medical officer. In 1987 he founded the American Ophthalmic History Society, which held its first annual conference in 1988. After Cogan's death in 1993, the organization was renamed the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society. Name changed again to American Ophthalmic History Society.
From the guide to the History of Ophthalmology Conference presentations collection, 1988-1992, (History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine)
