Voting Station

Hermann Snellen

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Doctor

The Resume

    (February 19, 1834-January 18, 1908)
    Born in Zeist, Netherlands
    Dutch ophthalmologist
    Created the Snellen chart in 1862, an eye chart used to measure visual acuity
    Died in Utrecht, Netherlands at age 73

Why he might be annoying:

    To this day his first name is spelled with either one or two 'n's at the end.
    Since his father was a physician, he figured he'd be one as well.
    Dr. Ezra Dyer of Philadelphia is believed to have created the first chart for measuring vision, but Snellen has been given credit for inventing the first eye chart.
    'Snellen's Reflex' (named after him) is a condition of the EAR, not the eye.

Why he might not be annoying:

    In 1858 he earned a Ph.D at Utrecht University.
    He was an ophthalmology professor at his university alma mater for 22 years (1877-99).
    He was the director of the Netherlands Hospital for Eye Patients for 19 years (1884-1903).
    He was a specialist in several eye fields, including astigmatism, glaucoma, diseases of the retina and connective tissue, inflammation, as well as a mathematical calculator for eyeglasses.
    The Snellen chart has been translated into nearly every language in the world and is the largest selling poster ever in the United States (beating out the likes of Farrah Fawcett).
    If you claim 20/20 vision (ability to read the '20 line' from 20 feet away), you have Dr. Snellen to thank for your bragging rights.

Credit: Scar Tactics


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 6 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 27 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 13 Votes: 46.15% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 15 Votes: 26.67% Annoying