The Journal of Ophthalmic Photography Volume 35, Number 1 • Spring 20138

hen Larry Merin passed away on November 8, 2012, the communities of

ophthalmic imagers and of under-insured people with untreated eye diseases lost a true champion, for he was an amazing advocate for both. He supported the Ophthalmic Photographers’ Society for many years in multiple capacities, includ-ing serving as President from 1996 to 2000, enriching the ophthalmic imaging literature as both assistant editor and contributing author to the Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, and serving on various Boards and committees. He was also very influ-ential in establishing ocular disease screening programs.

Larry was a rare individual, more talented than most, with a tremendous intellect that was only matched by his compassion and dedication to helping the indi-viduals underserved by health care by improving and providing screening for diabetic retinopathy. He made serving those in jeopardy of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy his mission in the last 12 years of his long, productive professional life, using his extraordinary knowledge and skills as an ophthalmic photographer as the foundation for his work.

Larry’s love of art and photography started in his early years, and he was able to concentrate his talents in both high school with a commercial art curriculum, and in college at both Wayne State University and the

Rochester Institute of Technology. But Larry was never one-dimen-sional, for as an honor student at Wayne State he was able to design his own unique undergraduate course of study which included a rich and diverse curriculum. He was known for his eloquence and his knowledge of the arts and sciences.

Larry’s first job in ophthalmic imaging was documenting ocular histopathology, and he quickly became adept at every aspect of imaging. But not only did he have excellent artistic imaging skills, he was always seeking a better under-standing of the medical science in ophthalmology as well as the sci-ence of photography.

He was drawn to organizations of people of like interests and he joined the Ophthalmic Photographers’ Society in 1978. It was the beginning of an association that still benefits our Society for Larry was a driving force in helping to shape and build the organization. He was one of just a few individuals who have served on each OPS Board, as an assistant editor for the Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, and on the ICOP organizing

Larry Merin, FOPS

TRIBUTE

Larry Merin, FOPS with Johnny Justice, FOPS, 1990

W

OPS Board of Directors, 1994. Bottom Row, left to right: Paul Montague, FOPS; Colleen Mulder; Larry Merin, FOPS; Holly Harwood Skolkin. Second Row: Rosario Bate, FOPS; Don Wong, FOPS; Sheila Smith Brewer. Top Row: Pat Saine, FOPS; Denice Barsness, FOPS.

Larry Merin, Dallas, 1987.

9A Tribute to Larry Merin, FOPS

committees as well as other Society committees. He was a great communicator: eloquent, persuasive,

compelling, and entertaining. A true wordsmith, Larry could conjure images using words in ways that few could duplicate, and his skills as a grammarian were legend-ary – and daunting to those who tried to sneak poorly written newsletter articles or educational programs past his editor’s eye. The OPS always presented the highest standards in printed materials to the public when Larry chaired the Publications committee (Table 2).

But his abilities as a writer and educator were even more extraordinary, and many educational program attendees would sign up for his courses just to see what novel approach he would take in presenting the topic. Who else but Larry could use images of narrow gauge railroads to teach the essentials of fluorescein angiogra-phy? Or entitle a presentation on diabetic screening in the United States, “How to Eat an Elephant”? His articles and publications were eloquent, scholarly, engaging, and as varied as his interests and pursuits.

Larry was an impressive statesman. He was an integral member of the first ICOP planning team for Rome in 1986, and he continued to help develop the ICOP programs through 1998. The colleagues he met at

these international meetings would become invaluable in his work in diabetic screening. His bonds with OPS members were equally great and he served two terms as OPS President. As with everything he did, Larry was completely committed to serve the Society and he pro-vided strong leadership despite facing the challenge of significant health issues during his terms. Larry guided us through a period of growth and change, in some cases building alliances, and in others, diplomatically avoid-ing situations that were not in the best interests of the Society. He carried a large burden, but never failed to reach out and encourage and mentor others to perform their duties.

Larry’s list of OPS positions held is long and impres-sive and can hardly be equaled (Table 1) .

Larry had broad experience as an imager, and held a number of positions from Detroit to Los Angeles, to Houston, and finally at Vanderbilt University as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and founder of their diabetic retinopathy screening center. Of all of Larry’s many accomplishments, his passion for diabetic

Larry Merin, FOPS, with Sadao Kanagami, FOPS, 1999.

Larry Merin, FOPS, at ICOP 1990, Singapore

Left to right: Angela Ellingford (OIA), Paul Montague, FOPS, Gill Bennerson (OIA), Larry Merin, FOPS, 1998.

The Journal of Ophthalmic Photography Volume 35, Number 1 • Spring 201310

screening truly set him apart. The impact he made in affecting and establishing public policy regard-ing underinsured patients was significant, and he was known for his advocacy for diabetic screen-ing both here and internationally. He brought his knowledge and insights on the topic to the British Association of Retinal Screeners, the International Conference on Screening for Retinopathy and the British Ophthalmic Photography Association (BOPA), now known as OIA.

But of all Larry’s many talents, his personal warmth and enthusasm were perhaps his greatest gifts. He was a kind, mischievous, and loyal friend, a loving husband to Becky, and father to Sydney and David. Larry had a smile for everyone and he had a fabulous sense of humor that could be highbrow or shady, depending on the circumstances. He had a great laugh that started deep in his chest and delightfully

invited you to join in the joke. He sometimes had a “naughty” laugh that could not be denied – and a sense of fun that matched. He shared his love of life with all who knew him and left a lasting impression of honesty and good will. His smile was truly infectious.

Larry faced many difficult health challenges through-out his adult life with grace and courage, making his many professional and personal accomplishments all the more impressive. He kept his final battle with melanoma quiet until the last few months of his life, choosing to

New Orleans 2001. Left to right: Larry Merin, FOPS, Rhonda Curtis, FOPS, Paul Montague, FOPS, Paula Morris, FOPS.

President 1996-2000Past President 2000-2002Chairman, Educational Program, ICOP’94, Toronto 1994Chairman, Student Membership Committee 1994-1996Chairman, Advanced Ophthalmic Photography Course, Eastman Kodak, Rochester 1987Chairman, ICOP ’90, Singapore 1990Chairman, Scientific Program, OPS Annual Meetings 1984-1986Chairman, Grievance Committee 2003-presentMember, Board of Education 1988-1994Member, Board of Directors 1988-1996Member, Board of Certification 1983-1988Elected Fellow (FOPS) 1994 Assistant Editor, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography 1982-1986Contributing Editor, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography 1987-presentMember, Bylaws Committee 1979-1980Member, Long Range Planning Committee 1983-1996Site Coordinator, CRA Examination, Houston 1985Meeting Planner, First International Meeting & Technical Workshop, Rome 1986Member, Editorial Committee 1987-1996Director of Publications 1990-1994Member, Legal Committee 1992-1996Member, Solicitations Committee 1992-1996Member, Nominating Committee 1995-1996Chairman, International Meeting Committee 1995-1996Member, Johnny Justice Junior Scholarship Committee 1995-1996

Table 1: OPS Contributions.

Larry with friends at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute Christmas party in 2011. Left to right: Sandy Anderson, CRA, FOPS, Becky Merin, Dr. John Penn Assistant Director of VEI, Larry Merin, FOPS.

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spare his friends and colleagues the pain of witnessing his fight. He worked with his same dedication to the diabetic screening cause until the last few weeks of his life.

Lawrence Mitchell Merin, FOPS, was a remarkable individual in every way; an example of brilliance, service, and talent all wrapped up in a dynamic, gentle man. He was truly matchless. He summed up his own life in this quote from a 1998 OPS newsletter article written while he was OPS President: to those imagers who knew, loved, and admired Larry, it feels like a benediction: “May your lives as well as your images be correctly exposed and sharply focused! ~ Lawrence M. Merin, FOPS

A Tribute to Larry Merin, FOPS

1. Machine Processed Films in Ophthalmology, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 3:1:15 1980.2. Construction and Use of Stereo Viewers, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography Merin LM 4:2:22 1981.3. Aesthetics in Angiographic Imagery, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 4:2:22 1981.4. Health Sciences Photography: Photocornucopia, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 5:1:14 19825. Umbra, Penumbra, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 5:2:26 1982.6. Copystand Construction, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 6:1:23 1983.7. Creative Copywork, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 6:2:62 1983.http://www.opsweb.org/Publicat/JourPdf/06-2/06-2-06.pdf8. Photography Request Forms, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 7:2:88 1984.9. Preparing Photographs for Distribution, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin, LM. 8:1:20 1985.10. Modifications for Safety and Efficiency, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 9:1:41 1986.11. New Film Alternatives for High Resolution Fluorescein Angiography, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM, Lewis RA. 10:1-2:36 1987.12. Study of Ocular Vasculature in the Newborn Rat: Retinal Fluorescein Angiography Using an Inverted Microscope, Journal of

Ophthalmic Photography, Larrazabal LI, Penn JS, Merin LM. 11:2:49 1989. 13. Editorial: The Imager’s Self-Image, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 12:2:81 http://www.opsweb.org/Publicat/

JourPdf/12-2/12-2-09.pdf 1990.14. Photo Essay: Documentation of Cystinosis, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Lee BL, Merin LM, Jones DB, Font RL. 13:2:80 1991. 15. Anterior Segment Photography in the Herpetic Eye Disease Study, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM and Wilhelmus KR.

14:1:34 1992.16. Technical Tactics: An Inexpensive Processing Tank Modification, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 14:2:52 1992.17. Some Thoughts on Technological Change: A Comparison of Analog and Digital Angiographic Imaging, Journal of Ophthalmic

Photography, Merin LM. 16:1:32 1994.18. Results of the Ophthalmic Photographers’ Society’s 25th Anniversary Professional Survey, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin

LM. 16:2:74 1994http://www.opsweb.org/Publicat/JourPdf/16-2/16-2-11.pdf.19. Case Report: Fluorescein Angiogram During Vasovagal Syncope, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM, Lam BL. 16:2:94 1994. 20. Designing and Implementing a New Clinical Ophthalmic Photographic Service, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 18:1:5 1996.21. Case Report: Photography of Fusarium Infection, Merin LM, Leachman MR. Journal of Ophthalmic Photography,19:2:60 1997.22. An Improved Method of Facial Photography for Oculoplastic Patients, Merin LM, Rice CD. Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, 20:1:16 1998.23. Portraiture for Publicity, Merin LM. Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, 22:1:11 2000.24. Canthaxanthine Induced Retinopathy, Vaphiades MS, Merin LM, Medlock RD. Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, 22:2:90 2000.25. Fool Me Once… An Apology on Images, Meanings and Ethics, Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Merin LM. 25:2:65 2003.http://

www.opsweb.org/Publicat/JourPdf/25-2/25-2-05.pdf26. Digital Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy — Increasing Access, Reducing Risk, Improving Outcomes, Merin LM. Journal of Ophthalmic

Photography, 26:2:59 2004.27. Abstract: Life Saving 101: It’s Not What You Think!, Merin L. Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, Fall/2004 Vol 26:2 p.100 PDF28. Abstract: Project TennesSEEwell: A Public Health Approach to Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Tennessee, Journal of Ophthalmic

Photography, Merin LM. 31:2:142 http://www.opsweb.org/Publicat/JourPdf/31-2/31-2-09.pdf 2009.

Table 2: Contributions to the Journal of Ophthalmic Photography.

Tribute:Paula Morris, CRA, FOPS John Moran Eye Center65 Mario Capecchi Drive,Salt Lake City, UT 84132(801) 581-6219paula.morris@hsc.utah.edu

Tables:Tim Bennett, CRA, OCT-C, FOPSPenn State Department of OphthalmologyMilton S. Hershey Medical Ctr.500 University Drive, Suite 800Hershey, PA 17033(717) 531-5516tbennett@hmc.psu.edu