What is it about?
MacCallan worked in Egypt between 1903-1923. He developed the "MacCallan Classification of Trachoma", adopted by the WHO as its standard in 1952. He also established the Egyptian ophthalmic hospital infrastructure which, on his departure consisted of 23 operational hospital units.
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Why is it important?
There has recently been a revival of interest in MacCallan's work. Firstly, the International Coalition for Trachoma Control (ICTC) inaugurated the "ICTC MacCallan Medal" in 2014 as a contribution towards achieving the WHO's target date for the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma (GET2020). Secondly, MacCallan's work with the military hospitals in Egypt has been recognised by Moorfields Eye Hospital on their World War I Commemorative History Board. Thus MacCallan's pioneering spirit and his accomplishments of over a century ago continue to resonate with the ophthalmic profession today.
Perspectives
Arthur MacCallan was my Grandfather. In 2007, I discovered papers, letters and photographs from his time in Egypt of over a century ago. These made a fascinating story which have been the basis of the book "Light out of Deep Darkness", a biography of Arthur MacCallan. This book was privately published in 2013.
Mr Michael MacCallan
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This page is a summary of: Arthur Ferguson MacCallan CBE, MD, FRCS (1872–1955), trachoma pioneer and the ophthalmic campaign in Egypt 1903–1923, Journal of Medical Biography, June 2016, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0967772016643540.
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