Alfred Vogt (31 October 1879 – 10 December 1943) was a Swiss ophthalmologist, known for his development of techniques for retinoscopy and the surgical management of retinal detachment. Alfred Vogt received his doctorate from the University of Basel in 1904. After training in ophthalmology under professor Karl Mellinger in Basel, Vogt started private practice in 1906. In 1909 he was appointed head physician of the ophthalmological department of the cantonal hospital in the city of Aarau. In 1917 he was appointed professor extraordinarius and director of the University of Basel's eye clinic. In 1923 he was appointed professor ordinarius and director of the University of Zurich's eye clinic. Vogt was a pioneer of specular microscopy; around 1913 he used a slit lamp together with a corneal microscope to investigate the structures of the anterior areas of the eye, and in 1918 he was the first to perform direct examination of the corneal endothelium. He is also credited with introducing perforating cyclodiathermy for the treatment of glaucoma (in 1936).

Early life and education

Vogt was born 31 October 1879 in Burg near Menziken, to Jakob Vogt, a primary school teacher, and Elise (née Koch) into a Protestant family. He completed his studies at the University of Zürich and the University of Basel.

Personal life

In 1906, Vogt married Marie Bossart (1879-1965), of Oberägeri. They had two daughters; Vogt died on 10 December 1943 in Zürich, Switzerland aged 74.

Awards and honors

Selected works

Eponyms