Ruby Laser Prototype

On November 22, 1961, Dr Charles J. Campbell, working alongside Dr. Charles Koester, a representative of American Optical Co. (which had supplied the laser), utilized the ruby laser seen here to eradicate a retinal tumor in a patient at the Harkness Eye Institute. Dr. Campbell served as the fourth Director of the Eye Institute, holding this position from 1947 to 1987. Today, optical lasers continue to play a pivotal role in a wide array of ophthalmic procedures, encompassing retinal, glaucoma, oculoplastic, and refractive surgeries. This innovative new technology significantly expedited these procedures and increased patient comfort, compared to xenon arc lamps used previously. The use of ruby lasers eventually spread to other disciplines in medicine, including cancer treatments and non-ophthalmic surgical procedures. 

Dr Campbell was the fourth Director of the Eye Institute, from 1947 – 1987.