Education
University of Vienna.
ophthalmologist physician university professor
University of Vienna.
He is credited with introducing a flap operation for treatment of cataracts (Beer"s operation), as well as popularizing the instrument used to perform the surgery (Beer"s knife). Initially a theology student, in 1786 he earned his medical doctorate in Vienna. Under the guidance of Joseph Barth (1745–1818), his primary focus turned to the field of ophthalmology.
However, his professional relationship with Barth was never close, and he later referred to his years with Barth as his "years of torture" (Barth - mentor and tormentor).
The final break in their relationship was caused by Barth"s favour of Johann Adam Schmidt (1759–1809), who later became a renowned ophthalmologist. Eventually he built a successful practice despite the obstacles created by Barth, who publicly expressed doubts in regards to Beer"s qualifications.
Beer became a popular teacher, and attracted a number of students who later excelled in the field of ophthalmology. In 1812 Beer was appointed to the chair of ophthalmology at the University of Vienna.
In 1818 he suffered a stroke which left him incapacitated and eventually led to his death three years later.
His best written work was the celebrated Lehre von den Augenkrankheiten, als Leitfaden zu seinen öffentlichen Vorlesungen entworfen, which was used as an important reference in ophthalmic medicine for many years afterwards.