Wellsworth DeZeng Simplex Retinoscope

Historical Significance: Henry DeZeng was a prolific inventor of many eye and ear, nose and throat instruments but his first love was the ophthalmoscope. This is reflected in his many patents. He made the first practical electric ophthalmoscope, the first with a non-corrosive mirror, the first with illuminated lens indicating numbers and the first commercially produced ophthalmoscope with a battery contained in the handle. The list goes on, including being the first to use filters, a rheostat and standard commercial lamps. The DeZeng Company became part of American Optical in the early 1920s: Henry ended his career with a flourish, producing the Professional and the wonderfully named Knickerbocker ophthalmoscopes! The Museum holds a phorometer made by the American Optical Company (Cat # 1053) under a patent held by Henry L DeZeng. It also holds a DeZeng ophthalmoscope (Cat No 907).