Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper reviews visual acuity and its essential nature in ancient wars when the din of battle often rendered voice commands inaudible. Legionnaires looked for signals from unit standard bearers to form proper formations and maneuvers. Unit standard bearers looked for signals from the legion standard bearer (aquilfer) to signal the changing battle plans of the legatus (legionary commander). Roman commanders understood the important services of an ophthalmologist as part of the Roman Medical Corps. The ophthalmologist examined the visual acuity of new recruits and was essential to treat eye injuries which occurred in battles or maneuvers, and to treat communicable diseases of the eye. Advanced medical treatment including eye care allowed minimally or moderately wounded soldiers to return to the battlefield as soon as possible. Medical treatment acted as a force multiplier to give the Roman army an advantage in war.