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Bernard Schwartz .

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Bernard Schwartz Obituary

Glaucoma specialist, founding chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Tufts-New England Medical Center, and Editor-in-Chief of two ophthalmology journals, died on November 10, 2007 at age 79 of a recently diagnosed cancer. Dr. Schwartz was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1927. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1951, then undertook postgraduate training at the University of Iowa, where he completed his ophthalmology residency in 1955 and then earned his PhD in physiology in 1959. From 1960 to 1968, he conducted research and clinical practice in the New York area. In 1968, he joined the faculty and staff of the Tufts-New England Medical Center where he established and chaired the Department of Ophthalmology until 1990. As a glaucoma specialist, Dr. Schwartz conducted many studies related to the endocrine aspects of that disease. In the early 1970s, he began developing methods to document glaucomatous changes in the eye structure by manually drawing diagrams of the back of the eye meticulously labeled with numerical descriptions of their characteristics. These same concepts were later incorporated into advanced technological methods. Dr. Schwartz contributed many journal articles and book chapters to the medical literature. In 1968, when the Survey of Ophthalmology was a little-known journal that published abstracts, Dr. Schwartz became its Editor-in-Chief. He changed its focus from abstracts to comprehensive, literature-based articles written by experts on currently important topics. The journal has become a leading journal in the field, and because of its outstanding educational value, it was sometimes referred to as the "Bible" of ophthalmology education. He later founded another journal, Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update. He served as Editor-in-Chief of both journals until his death. Active in many ophthalmological organizations, he received the Presidential Award from the American Glaucoma Society in March 2007. Beloved husband of Marcia (Struhl) of Boston. Devoted father of Ariane Schwartz of Boston, MA, Jennifer Schwartz of San Francisco, CA, Karen Schwartz of Los Angeles, CA, and Lawrence Schwartz of Connecticut. Loving brother of Dr. Harvey Schwartz and his wife Fran of Toronto, Canada. Services will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon St., Brookline, Tuesday, November 13 at 12:00 PM. Interment service will be at New Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ on Wednesday at a time to be announced. Memorial observance will be at Bernard's late residence Thursday through Friday evening ending at sundown. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Bernard may be made to Research to Prevent Blindness 645 Madison Ave., Floor 21, New York, NY 10022-1010 or to another similar sight charity of one's choice. STANETSKY MEMORIAL CHAPEL 617.232.9300www.stanetsky.com

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Published by Boston Globe on Nov. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Schwartz

42 Entries

Guy Tarantino

January 25, 2008

Sorry for your loss.

Thomas Hedges

January 18, 2008

When I was a student at Tufts, Dr. Schwartz encouraged me to go into academic medicine. Later, when I became a member of the faculty at Tufts, Bernie continued to support my academic activities. I appreciate all he did for me as he did for so many others. We look forward to honoring Bernard Schwartz, Founding Chairman of The Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University, New England Medical Center, on June 13th during our resident graduation.

Stan Thompson

November 28, 2007

Bernie was a resident at Iowa about a decade before me. We always talked at the Academy. He was a super nice guy and I greatly admired his years of work with the Survey.

Robert Feibel

November 27, 2007

I admired Bernie's interest, ability, and desire to edit and develop the journals Survey of Ophthalmology and Comprehensive Ophthalmology. For all my years in practice, I always found them a great resource and help in learning our profession. A tremendous committment to ophthalmology.

John Rieser

November 22, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of Bernie death. I was Bernie's fellow 1970-1971 and was always treated as an equal by this wonderful gentleman. I have been very fortunate to have him as my mentor and friend. His ideas on the care of glaucoma patients have stood the test of time and were the foundation of my successful glaucoma practice. My sympathies to Marsha and all of Bernie's family.
Sincerely,
John Rieser

Steven Podos

November 19, 2007

Bernie Schwartz and I first met when I was a resident at Washington University and came to New York for the glaucoma case discussion open panel meeting. Subsequently, we served on NIH study section together and then for many years on the editorial board of Survey of Ophthalmology, the journal he rescued from oblivion and led to such prominence. Our paths intersected frequently at ARVO and AUPO. Bernie was a dynamic force in our field, an innovative and seminal thinker, and a friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments, as Wendy and I mourn his death.

Robert Jampel

November 19, 2007

Bernie and I were friends for 50 years. We began our academic careers together at the Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn in 1958. Bernie loved science and teaching. His interest was glaucoma
and mine neuro-ophthalmology, but we shared our ideals and strove to be clinician-scientists. I'll never forget the conversations we had on the problems associated with ophthalmic science. Bernie left Brooklyn to become chair at Tufts and to edit the Survey of Ophthalmology and we lost close contact. I am not familiar with his work in glaucoma but as a human being there was none better. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Melvin Rubin

November 19, 2007

Bernie and I began a close friendship back in 1958 in Iowa City, I as a resident and he, working on his doctorate. Through his NY years at Downstate and then at Tufts and from the very beginning of his editorship of the Survey, we shared much science and comaraderie. His sudden passing is a great personal loss, and all of us in the international eye community will sorely miss his warmth, guidance, and innovation. I extend my sincerest condolences to Marcia and to his entire family.

Louis Cantor

November 18, 2007

Bernie's loss is felt by us all. As a young faculty member Dr. Schwartz was always interested in teaching and challenging my thinking. He encouraged me to become invoved in the Survey of Ophthalmology and in research. I will miss him as a mentor and friend.

Sumner Fishbein

November 18, 2007

Marcia and family heartfelt condolences. My year with Bernie (72-73) was a springboard to many fruitful years in Ophthalmology.

Jack Hetherington

November 18, 2007

Bernie was one of our early leaders in glaucoma,and his contributions have won him the respect of his colleagues and the many students he taught.We all learned more about the optic nerve one of Bernies main interests.It was a privilege for me to be on many teaching programs and committees wih Bernie and recognized him also as a true gentleman.We look back With respect fondness along with sadness at our loss
Jack Hetherington

Robert Ritch

November 18, 2007

Bernie, Marcia and I were friends for 30 years, since the very beginning of my career. He was a colleague with whom I never tired of sharing, exploring, discussing, and arguing ideas. His pet project, the Survey, has been simultaneously a source of in-depth and broad education to a generation of developing and developed ophthalmologists. He had the tanacity to go against the trend and drew strength from his scientific convictions. As friend, gentleman, mentor, and scholar, he will be greatly missed.

Charles Tressler

November 17, 2007

I will miss Bernie. He was tireless and dedicated. He was a gift to us all.

Raymond LeBlanc

November 16, 2007

I am very saddened at the news. Bernie was, is, a giant and many of us have stood on his shoulders and benefited from his generosity.

Marcia, Françoise are I are very much thinking of you

Louis Pasquale

November 16, 2007

Bernie welcomed me with open arms when I arrived in Boston in 1992. I will never forget the meetings he would run where we all discussed our research "without slides." Bernie, in a fatherly manner, would give us all advice to help move our projects forward. Our periodic discussions about the pathophysiology of POAG, and other things, will be sorely missed. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Ali Khorrami

November 16, 2007

I am very saddened to hear that Dr. Schawrtz has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ian MacDonald

November 16, 2007

Dr. Schwartz was a guiding figure in Ophthalmology. His personal approach in encouraging authors at all levels was enjoyed by many. It has been a great privilege to have known him and worked with him. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Marco Zarbin

November 15, 2007

I am greatly saddened by Dr. Schwartz's death. From the moment I met him (on a boat in Amsterdam), I found Dr. Schwartz to be a generous, charming, worldly individual who had a great love of scholarship. While working with him on the editorial board of Survey of Ophthalmology, I witnessed his desire to "find the good and praise it" when dealing with the work of others. I will miss him personally and professionally. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Chi-Wah (Rudy) Yung

November 15, 2007

I am most saddened by the news. Dr. Schwartz had contributed significantly to the field of ophthalmology. He was a great educator and researcher. It was indeed a great loss to all of us. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Cynthia Z. Kenneally, M.D.

November 15, 2007

With deepest sympathy for your loss and sincere gratitude to your family for sharing your husband and father with the ophthalmic community. His scholarship, mentorship and devotion to education will continue to be a true inspiration to me.

Robert David

November 15, 2007

Bernie was my friend, colleague and educator for about 30 years. He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to Marsha.

Harry Quigley

November 15, 2007

As a young clinician--scientist interested in glaucoma, the intellectual mentoring provided by Bernie was so valuable. He studied all the important issues about glaucoma (and many other things) and typically was ahead of others in applying or developing new techniques to answer these questions. Quantitative disc imaging, steroid effects in glaucoma (presaging myocilin), microvascular failure in the optic disc, and epidemiological features of the disease are just a few. His devotion to education of colleagues thru the review articles in Survey have been a major feature of ophthalmic education and remain useful in the internet era. He was a voice of ethical behavior and gentlemanly charm. Our field should strive to emulate Bernie as we suffer his loss.

Ivan Goldberg

November 15, 2007

Bernie was an extraordinary professional: his intellectual curiosity and intelligence were remarkable, and his ability to question accepted dogma and to think laterally were exemplary. Having met him at meetings during my Fellowship at Wash U in St Louis, we kept in touch over many years, sharing thoughts and ideas about glaucoma and life. We enjoyed very much having him here in Australia in the 1980s. Vera joins me in wishing Marcia and Arianne all the very best during this difficult time. May the thoughts of family, friends and colleagues be a source of comfort.

Karim Tomey

November 15, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Matthew Goren

November 14, 2007

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Bernie. He was my first ophthalmology mentor as my Chairman at Tufts in 1990 and I was fortunate to work with him at Comp Ophth Update. Bernie taught me so many things including a respect for the world's literature, beyond that of the US. Bernie's understanding of glaucoma as an optic neuropathy was decades ahead of its time and is only now being fully appreciated. He was a gentle soul and I will miss him.

Kenneth Cohen

November 14, 2007

I knew Bernie only a short time. I am inspired by his desire to ensure that practical scientific information reached the practicing ophthalmologist.

Allan Rutzen

November 14, 2007

I am very saddened to hear that Dr. Schwartz has passed away. I was a resident with him at Tufts in the mid-1990s and will always carry with me the lessons he taught during residency.

george bohigian

November 14, 2007

A great loss to all.A true gentleman and scholar.
"In the eyes of memory there is no death"
George Bohigian MD
St. Louis, Mo.

Edward Raab

November 14, 2007

Learning of Bernie's illness and now his death has been very sad. We first met when he was a young faculty member at Downstate Medical Center and I was exploring Ophthalmology as a specialty. He was very gracious to a stranger then and moreso at all later times as we became much better acquainted. I agreed to serve on Survey's Editorial Board largely because it was his personal invitation. His many friends and colleagues will truly miss him.

Paul Orloff

November 14, 2007

I am profoundly saddened by Bernie's passing. We are all diminished by the loss of his inquisitive mind, his patient, thoughtful ways and his smile. I have been on the Board of Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update from its inception and marveled at Bernie's determination, his spirit, his commitment and what he was, in the end, able to accomplish.
I extend my sympathies to his family and can only imagine the loss that they feel but know that they will always be warmed by the memories he left.

Preston Blomquist

November 14, 2007

Ophthalmology has lost a driving force for professional education. I "grew up" on Survey of Ophthalmology and was delighted to finally meet Dr Schwartz when he started Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update. What impressed me most was his determination and commitment to keeping peers abreast of the latest knowledge. Through his efforts he has impacted patient care throughout the world.

Kevin Miller

November 14, 2007

My interactions with Bernie were limited to working with him on the editorial board of Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update. Before coming onto the Board, I was aware of his many accomplishments, particularly at Tufts and as editor-in-chief of the journal, Survey of Ophthalmology. I had the good fortune of a private lunch with him at the ASCRS meeting earlier in 2007. Bernie was gifted in ophthalmic publishing, a very in-the-know person with regard to the profession, and the nicest gentleman. I will miss him.

Larry Kagemann

November 14, 2007

I'm very sorry to hear Bernie's passing. His loss will be felt in hearts across the world. His contributions to medical science are only out-shadowed by the energy and enthusiasm that he brought to everything he did. He will be sorely missed.

Youlin Qi

November 14, 2007

It was a bless for me to know and work with Dr. Schwartz since 2001. His mind was sharp and clear that you can sense how vigorous and productive when he was younger. I have learned a lot from him. He would always encourage people to challenge their limit intellectually yet cares about people nice and warm. We have had frequent contacts after I left him a couple of years ago. In fact, his last email dated August 24, 2007. He left us too fast and we will miss him dearly.

Colm O'Brien

November 14, 2007

I am deeply saddened to hear that Bernie has passed away. I was a fellow with him in the late 80's, where I learned most of what I know about glaucoma. Widely read, broad minded, blessed with dogged determination and a good sense of humour, he inspired many, and he led by example. Every year at ARVO, I would look forward to catching up with him about his research and editorial work, and of course, his family. I will miss him a lot. My condolences to Marcia and his children and family.

Jerry Cagle

November 14, 2007

I worked with Bernie over a period of several years in his capacity as the Editor of the Survey of Ophthal-
mology. He was alwyas a consumate professional and a gentleman. I am saddened to hear of his passing; it is a loss and my thoughts and prayers are with the Schwartz family.

David Newcombe

November 14, 2007

The world has lost a truly great man. Dr Schwartz has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of my wife and children. I will never forget his generosity and strength of character.

Carol Toris

November 14, 2007

I have had the pleasure of working with Bernie on three special issues of Survey of Ophthalmology. I am going to miss his smiling face and encouraging words. He and his work will be remembered by the ophthalmology community for decades to come.

Susan Erickson

November 13, 2007

I worked with Bernie as Managing Editor of Survey of Ophthalmology from 1975 until 2001. He revered and nurtured knowledge at all levels. Working with him to publish this journal was an ongoing learning experience for him and for me, and the challenges and rewards were a source of joy for all the Survey staff. Bernie never got old. He was young for 80 years, then suddenly he died. The dying too soon is very sad; the rest was wonderful.
My condolences to Marcia, his children, and all those friends and colleagues who will miss him, as do I.

Joseph and Gay Pappin

November 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Leah Levi MD

November 11, 2007

I was very saddened to hear of Dr Schwartz's passing. I was a resident in the Tufts Department of Ophthalmology in the early 1980s when he was Chair, and for the two years prior to that was a research fellow with him. I was always grateful for his support in my career, as well as the role model he presented. His passion for learning and his high standards were infectious and inspiring, and he really cared for each of his patients. I spoke to him only a few months ago and he was still his usual energetic and enthusiastic self. My sincere condolences to his family.

Joseph and Gay Pappin

November 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

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