Letter from the Minister for Information in the Federal Government to FC Werner President of the Victorian Optical Association

Historical Significance: Optometry was a profession of limited public acceptance in the first half of the 20th C, although many individual optometrists were greatly respected by their clientelle as a result of their competence and the professional style with which they practised. Receipt of this invitation would have pleased the Association. World War 2 which began in 1939 involved some optometrists in public affairs. Several optometrists gave expert technical advice in optics during World War 2, notably (1) Don Schultz (SA), See Watkins RD. Donald Herbert Schultz Clin Exp Optom 2004; 87: 187-190, (2) Reginald Etherington (Vic) See Edgar D Reginald Robert Etherington Clin Exp Optom 2000; 83: 234-235 and (3) Bertram Nathan, who advised on magnifiers. There was also debate about optometrists having officer rank See Cat No 893 and 1473.