Albrecht von Graefe is best known as the founder of modern ophthalmology. Von Graefe, whose full name was Friederich Wilhelm Ernst Albrecht von Graefe, dedicated his life to becoming an excellent teacher, surgeon, and clinician in the field of ophthalmology. Although born into a privileged life as the son of Carl Ferdinand von Graefe the Director of the Surgical Clinic for 30 years, author of the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Medical Sciences, a pioneer in plastic surgery, and general in the Prussian army Albrecht based his short life on utilizing his talent to benefit those who were in need.

Orphaned at the age of 12, von Graefe focused on his studies. As an extremely gifted student, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and began by enrolling at the University of Berlin in 1843. At the age of 15, he was the youngest student on record to begin studies at the university...