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Inventor of Fused Bifocal Lenses / Medical Diploma
This document is a diploma written in Latin, certifying the recipient's degree from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia (now Thomas Jefferson University). It is awarded to John Louis Borsch Jr., who received the degree of Doctor in Art Medendi (Doctor of Medicine). The diploma includes ornate, calligraphic text detailing the conferral of the degree, stating the qualifications of the recipient in the medical arts and surgery, and recognizing his academic achievements.
John Louis Borsch Jr.
John Louis Borsch Jr., MD (1873–1929) was an American ophthalmologist born in Philadelphia who achieved notable success in both the United States and France. He is primarily recognized for inventing the first fused bifocal lens, the Kryptok lens, which became a commercial success and widely used in the early 20th century. Beyond his invention, Borsch was also known for his medical expertise in eye surgery, particularly cataract surgery.
Borsch practiced for much of his career in Paris, where he operated a clinic. He performed cataract surgery on two highly influential figures: the American Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt and the Irish writer James Joyce, both of whom suffered from significant eye problems later in life. Borsch's relationship with Joyce was particularly complex, as Joyce underwent multiple operations under his care for his severe and recurring eye conditions, including iritis and cataracts. Borsch’s treatments for Joyce were part of a long series of surgeries that the author endured over many years.
In addition to his clinical work, Borsch made scholarly contributions to ophthalmology, notably through his thesis Le Traitement Chirurgical de l'Astigmie (The Surgical Treatment of Astigmatism), which highlighted surgical techniques for correcting astigmatism, a relatively innovative concept at the time. Borsch passed away in 1929, leaving behind a legacy as both an inventor and a skilled ophthalmologist.