Foundations of ophthalmology in Dutch East Indies: A look at distribution of early ophthalmology medical facilities (1900‒1942)

Abstract

This research examines the development of ophthalmology as a medical specialty in the Dutch East Indies between the years 1900 and 1942. The research is focus on the establishment of ophthalmology medical facilities, consist of ophthalmology hospitals, departments of ophthalmology, and ophthalmology outpatient clinics. The methods used in this research are a literature review of archival documents and spatio-temporal analysis. The primary source of archival documents for this study are the Medical Journal for the Dutch East Indies (Geneeskundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch-Indie), Communications from the Civil Medical Service (Mededeelingen van den Burgerlijk Geneeskundige Dienst), Communications from the Public Health Service (Mededeelingen van den Dienst der Volksgezondheid), and Kolonial Verslaag. A spatio-temporal analysis was conducted to look at the distribution of medical facilities over time, using a phase division into three periods: 1900‒1910, 1901‒1930, and 1931‒1942. This research indicates that the establishment of ophthalmology medical facilities was a response to the prevalence of eye health problems in the Dutch East Indies during the nineteenth century. During the period between 1900 and 1910, a notable advancement in ophthalmology occurred with the establishment od ophthalmology hospital. These facilities were predominantly concentrated in Java, particularly in cities that served as administrative centers, such as Bandung and Semarang. From 1911 to 1930, the number of medical facilities increased with the establishment of departments of ophthalmology in hospital and ophthalmology outpatient clinics. The construction of medical facilities commenced in Sumatra, particularly in Padang and Perbaoengan. In contrast, the medical facilities constructed during the period between 1931 and 1942 were exclusively outpatient clinics. The findings indicate that the early ophthalmology medical facilities were concentrated in Java and Sumatra. Additionally, this study delves into the diagnostic and therapeutic measures employed by ophthalmologists to address a spectrum of eye diseases. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the establishment of ophthalmology medical facilities in the Dutch East Indies signified the acceptance of ophthalmology as a specialized field dedicated to advancing public health and encouraged further research into eye diseases and their treatment.