History of Acta Ophthalmologica – the first 50 years

Abstract.Acta Ophthalmologica appeared as the scientific journal of the Nordic ophthalmological Societies in 1923. The intention was to expose the clinical and experimental developments among the ophthalmological communities of the four Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The collaboration within the field of ophthalmology had been attempted with the publication of ‘Nordisk ophthalmologisk Tidsskrift’ in the years 1889–1892. Now, once again, the wish for a tighter Nordic cooperation was explored by enthusiastic ophthalmologists in all four countries. One person stands out as the driving force, K.K.K. Lundsgaard, who in spite of his early death in 1931 was remembered by name on the front page of Acta since 1936 by the Latin phrase ‘A K.K.K. Lundsgaard edi coepta’. The present review recalls details from the early years when the journal found its place in the ophthalmology and creates the background for some reflections on purpose and goals by publishing a scientific journal.