New Archive Preserves and Honors Work of Esteemed Eye Researcher Alice McPherson
The stories of the trailblazing work of eye researcher and UW–Madison alumna Alice McPherson are now explored as the subject of a new collaboration between the UW–Madison Archives and the McPherson Eye Research Institute.
Through the newly established Alice R. McPherson Archive and Oral History Project, the UW Archives is collecting, preserving, and making accessible to scholars a range of papers, photographs, and other materials related to the life and career of McPherson, who is renowned for her work in retinal eye research, her pioneering leadership as a female scientist, as well as her philanthropic investments that have spurred advancements in the field.
“This archival collection is inherently unique and helps us continue to deepen our understanding of Alice McPherson’s remarkable influence on science, medicine, and women’s leadership. By preserving and making available the materials documenting her life and work, we ensure that scholars can connect the history she shaped to the pathways she opened for those who follow.”
-Katie Nash, University Archivist
The Oral History Project aspect of the McPherson Archive will consist of interviews with a wide range of McPherson’s colleagues, including world-renowned researchers, Houston colleagues and friends, and UW–Madison colleagues. Clips from the initial interviews along with images from the collection can be seen in a trailer for the McPherson Archive Project, created by videographer Andy Schlachtenhaufen.
“While I never met Dr. McPherson, this oral history project makes me feel like I did. Her passion for her professional and philanthropic work has come through, as well as her compassion for her patients and for those who came into her world. I feel fortunate to be a part of this project and look forward—once these interviews become public—to seeing how they get listened to, read, and used.”
-Troy Reeves, Distinguished Oral Historian
Born and raised in Canada, McPherson completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at UW–Madison, as well as a residency in ophthalmology at the University Hospital. In 1957, she received a fellowship with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, becoming the first female vitreoretinal fellow of Dr. Charles Schepens, considered to be “the father of modern retinal surgery,” who became her friend and mentor. Moving to Texas soon afterwards, McPherson became (as far as can be determined) the first full-time female retina specialist in the world.
McPherson’s practice flourished thanks to her incredible commitment to her patients, her remarkable insight and instincts, and her determination to embrace new methods and advance the field of retina. She pioneered the application of many retinal treatments, including scleral buckling and cryotherapy, and won numerous awards for her work, notably becoming the first woman to receive the Gonin Medal.
McPherson was devoted to the advancement of knowledge and research in the field. In 1969, she founded the Retina Research Foundation (RRF) in Houston, Texas, with donor gifts. Through her philanthropy and support from a network of donors, the RRF supports numerous funding programs and awards for research on a variety of retinal diseases.
McPherson’s relationship with UW–Madison continued to be close through her years in Texas and included service on the Board of the UW Foundation. Her pledged estate gift to UW–Madison, as well as her guidance and input, were instrumental in ensuring the founding of the UW–Madison Eye Research Institute. In 2012, the Institute was renamed the McPherson Eye Research Institute (McPherson ERI) to recognize her immense contributions.
McPherson was modest, hard-working, and sociable; her efforts brought together the most important figures in the field of retina. Her legacy is carried on both by the institutions she created and the countless patients whose lives were changed by her exceptional skill and care.
In 2024 and 2025, Archives received over 20 boxes of archival material collected and curated by Alice McPherson over several decades. The collection still remains unprocessed, with plans to organize and describe it in the near future. If you would like access to this collection and/or additional information about what’s included, please contact Katie Nash, University Archivist and Head of UW Archives.
UW Archives and Records Management and the McPherson Eye Research Institute are grateful to the Alice McPherson Estate, in particular to Alan Gover and Barry Margolis, for their initiation and encouragement of this project in honor of their friend and colleague. In addition, we are grateful for the support of the Retina Research Foundation, Houston, Texas for their participation and assistance with materials.