Glaucoma Research Foundation

Remembering Dr. Shaffer

Robert N. Shaffer, MD (1912-2007)

Dr. Robert Shaffer always took the time to get to know his patients, many of whom remained friends with him throughout his life. He was dedicated to finding better treatments and a cure for glaucoma, but also to seeing each of his patients as a whole person rather than just treating their glaucoma.

In his warm and caring way, he did so much to educate others and promote research to help people with glaucoma. As a physician, educator, and mentor, Dr. Shaffer was a pioneer in the true sense of the word.

Born January 18, 1912 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Shaffer received his medical degree from Stanford University, and in 1949 he established in San Francisco what would become the leading glaucoma practice west of the Mississippi. Dr. Shaffer taught at U.C. San Francisco School of Medicine for half a century. He lectured extensively in Europe and Asia, and published over 70 articles and publications on glaucoma. He became widely known for his landmark book, Diagnosis and Therapy of the Glaucomas, coauthored with Dr. Bernard Becker. First published in 1961, this book is still a primary reference for glaucoma doctors today.

He established the Shaffer Fellowship program to offer promising young doctors a year of personal training in the clinical study, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma. His wife Virginia often helped Fellows with their publications and presentations, and made them feel like part of the family. More than 40 Shaffer Fellows received this valuable experiential training.

I am honored to have been a co-founder of the Glaucoma Research Foundation, along with Dr. Shaffer and Dr. John Hetherington, almost 30 years ago. All of us at the Foundation are proud to continue Dr. Shaffer’s legacy of helping those with glaucoma through education and the funding of research to find better therapies and ultimately a cure for glaucoma.

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Article by H. Dunbar Hoskins, Jr., MD. Dr. Hoskins is Executive Vice President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a position he assumed in 1993 after a distinguished career in private practice. He is one of the founders of GRF and has served on the GRF Board since its inception in 1978.

Dr. Robert N. Shaffer died on July 13, 2007 at his home in Marin County. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and their two sons, John and Stuart. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, 251 Post Street Suite 600, San Francisco, CA, 94108. Memorial donations may also be made online.