ABSTRACT
As early as 1000 bc it has been recorded that successful operations for cataract took place in Babylon. The fees were fixed by law and the surgeon would receive 10 silver shekels for a patient who was a rich freeman but only 2 silver shekels for a slave. These fees, however, were for successful operations. Mistakes were more costly. If the freeman lost the sight of his eye, then one of the surgeon’s hands would be cut off, whereas if it was the slave who was blinded, the doctor had to provide a new slave for the owner.
