OHSU Historical Collections & Archives announces the opening of its latest exhibit, “Artifacts in the Kenneth C. Swan, M.D. Papers,” now on display in the main lobby of the OHSU Library.

Showcasing artifacts from Swan’s collection (Accession 2007-011), this display illustrates the history of ophthalmology through its instrumentation.

A 1936 graduate of the University of Oregon Medical School and first full-time chair of the OHSU Department of Ophthalmology, Swan was instrumental in the development of ophthalmological education and practice in Oregon for over 60 years. His skill as a fundraiser resulted in the establishment both of the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic and the Casey Eye Institute at OHSU. His research on the use of methylcellulose for artificial tears, as well as his development of new treatments for childhood glaucoma, problems with binocular vision and traumatic eye wounds, helped OHSU gain an international reputation in eye care.  Upon his death in 2007, forty-five linear feet of his papers, research, and equipment was donated to the Historical Collections & Archives. Materials will be on display through September 2009. 

Questions about the exhibit or the collections can be addressed to Sara Piasecki, Head, (503-418-2287, piasecki@ohsu.edu ) or Karen Peterson, Archivist (503-494-3239 or peterska@ohsu.edu ).