Simmons Lessell, MD: Gaon of Neuro-Ophthalmology

Simmons Lessell, MD elevated the case report to a high art. His descriptions of toxic optic neuropathy, cerebral achromatopsia, palinopsia, indirect optic nerve trauma, and idiopathic pachymeningitis are examples of the most luminous prose in the medical literature. His fellows likened him to a "gaon," a rabbi of exceptional erudition who was often asked to settle difficult issues.