Gullstrand, Allvar (1862–1930)

Swedish physician who was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1911 for his work on the refraction of light through the different components of the eye, in particular in determining how the lens of the eye is adjusted to focus on both near and far objects. To assist his research Gullstrand invented the slit-lamp which is still used in modern instruments to illuminate the eye.

He worked extensively on the refractory system of the eye, describing the shape of the living cornea and the changes in the lens when focusing on near or far objects (accommodation).

Gullstrand was born in Landskrona, Sweden and studied medicine at the University of Uppsala, graduating in 1888. He obtained his PhD in ophthalmology in 1890, and became professor of ophthalmology at Uppsala.