Josef Lederer. Optometry in the University of New South Wales 1951 - 1981

Historical Significance: This is a publication of an extensive interview of Professor Lederer in three sessions in November 1983 as part of the University Interview Project by the University of NSW Archives. Professor Lederer (1921-2007) was professor of optometry at the University of NSW and the first professor of optometry in Australia. He was appointed foundation professor in 1976 and retired in 1981 at the age of 60. He was previously lecturer in optometry at the Sydney Technical College, part-time from 1945 and full-time from 1947. He transferred to the University of NSW as lecturer in 1951 soon after the then new University commenced and the STC optometry course transferred to the University. Lederer advocated better optometrical care for patients with low vision and designed the Lederer lenses to provide high plus correction for low vision. The design was published in Nature and Aust J Optom. [Lederer J. A new development in aids for subnormal vision. Nature 1954; 4438: 997. Lederer J. The 'Lederer Lenses', a new development in subnormal vision aids. Aust J Optom 1954;37: 302. See also Aust J Optom, Vol 37 Issue 5 Sep 29, 1956: The Lederer Lens by W G Kett. 'This lens was the first designed in Australia for the specific purpose of aiding those beyond the help of ordinary ophthalmic lenses'. Lederer's career and contribution to optometry is described by Alexander JA. Emeritus Professor Josef Lederer - A pioneer of low vision care Clin Exp Optom 2001; 84: 171-174. His obituary is at Cole BL. Emeritus Professor Josef Lederer 1921-2007 Clin Exp Optom 2007; 90: 388-389. See these items on this web site under the tab 'People who made history'