Hindsight_56_1_FINAL.pdf


32 Volume 56, Number 1, Spring 2025

ABSTRACT

Goss David A., and Pike Scott E. Carol B. Pratt: 
Pacific University's Original Optometric 
Genius. N.p., Bee Tree Books, 2023. ISBN 978-
1-945-39814-8. 113+13 pages. Paperback. 

INTRODUCTION

This book is a memoir of one of Pacific 
University’s significant founding faculty 
members, Carol B. Pratt, O.D., Ph.D. The 
text covers the development of Dr. Pratt’s 
innovative optometric testing, nearpoint 
visual function analysis, and original 
research. It is divided into six chapters and 
six appendices and spans 113 pages. 

In chapter one, a biographical sketch, 
we learn about Carol B. Pratt’s educational 
history from his initial start doing 
opticianry work in his father’s optometry 
practice, to studying with Charles Sheard 
while earning his Ph.D. in biophysics at 
the University of Minnesota. It was during 
his time in Minnesota that he met his 
future wife, Carol Adams, leading the two 
to become known amongst friends as 
“Carol A.” and “Carol B.” in order to avoid 
confusion. While teaching at the North 
Pacific College of Optometry (NPCO), Pratt 
earned his optometry degree remarkably 
in only one year. Later in 1945, Dr. Pratt 
became the first optometry professor at 
Pacific University during which he also 
carried the responsibilities of dean for the 
first two to three years. 

Chapters two and three detail Dr. Pratt’s unique optometric 
examination routine and his methods of analyzing 
accommodation and convergence test findings. Initially starting 
clinical practice with an exam similar to the Optometric Extension 

Program’s (OEP) 21-point exam, Dr. Pratt 
went on to develop an exam that would 
be “first rate” without retinoscopy, as he 
found he was not as good at retinoscopy 
as he would have wished—a feeling 
that may resonate with some optometry 
students today! 

In addition to his teaching and 
patient care responsibilities, Dr. Pratt 
also conducted research on myopia and 
astigmatism and served as a mentor for 
many student research projects. These 
topics are detailed in chapters four and 
five. One of his most interesting projects 
was coming up with a unique method 
for measuring aniseikonia. While Dr. Pratt 
was a prolific researcher, he published 
only one paper in an optometric journal; 
fortunately, this book serves as a reference 
to highlight some of his significant 
scientific work. 

Chapter six stands as a testament to his 
legacy through a series of stories, tributes 
and perspectives. Dr. Pratt was a man of 
great intellect and inventiveness, known 
by one of his former colleagues as “Mr. 
Optometry.” 

This book would be of interest to any 
current and former Pacific University 
student or faculty member, as well as 
those interested in unpublished research 
on nearpoint visual function. 

BOOK REVIEW: CAROL B. PRATT: PACIFIC UNIVERSITY’S 
ORIGINAL OPTOMETRIC GENIUS BY DAVID A. GOSS AND 
SCOTT E. PIKE 

Goss David A., and Pike Scott E. Carol B. Pratt: 
Pacific University's Original Optometric 
Genius. N.p., Bee Tree Books, 2023. ISBN 978-1-
945-39814-8. 113+13 pages. Paperback. 

Hilary Gaiser, O.D., MSc

Associate Professor of Optometry
New England College of Optometry
Boston, MA

gaiserh@neco.edu

10.14434/hindsight.v56i1.41590

BOOK REVIEWS HILARY GAISER, O.D., MSC