Oral Archives Of New Zealand Ophthalmologists
RECORDED 1990’S TO EARLY 2000’S
The Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand commissioned oral recordings from seven senior ophthalmologists between approximately 1991 and 2001. Each was professionally interviewed by Anna Cottrell (wife of Dr Paul Herrick, ophthalmologist of Wellington), on behalf of the Alexander Turnbull Library, a division of the National Library of New Zealand.
The ophthalmologists interviewed were: Sir Randal Elliott of Wellington, Dr Roy Holmes of Christchurch, Professor John Parr of Dunedin, Dr Dorothy Potter CBE of Masterton, Dr Calvin Ring of Auckland, Dr Arthur Talbot of New Plymouth, and Dr Graeme Talbot OBE of Auckland.
All are now deceased.
These recordings are irreplaceable, detailed records of their lives and careers. Each is of around two hours’ duration. They are first-hand accounts of aspects of New Zealand ophthalmology through most of the twentieth century. There are many insights into the education, training, the Otago Medical School, and the post-graduate ophthalmic training in their times, as well as practising the specialty in that era. In some cases, their war service is of special interest. The interview which holds the most general interest is probably that given by Sir Randal Elliott, while the interview with Professor John Parr gives the most information about education and the Otago Medical School.