The Nonvisual retinal ganglion cells were first recognized 1981 and reported officially 1993 not a decade ago in the Annals of Ophthalmology


Raymond P. et al research in PloS 2014 is very interesting: Deterioration of sleep in older population and alteration of sleep structures but, the date of discovery of NVRGCs/ipRGCs has intelligently changed
Since I have described that Nonvisual Retinal Ganglion Cells (NVRGCs) are from different origin and genetic make up. These ganglion cells are very primitive, rhabdomeric and appear very early in the embryonic period. Their behavior and path are also different and subject to change. In 1981 I described that these NVRGCs are in charge of nonvisual functions including pupillary light reaction and entrainment of the circadian rhythm.
In 1981 in an unparalleled study I noted that these primitive cells are originating from ventricular system and their axons are directed towards the hypothalamus area.
On the basis of this unique and only study on the human embryo despite limited facilities and tracers, I observed, for the first time, the novel NVRGCs in the inner neuroblastic layer of the eye which prompted me to coin the term nonvisual retinal photoreceptors to these primitive ganglion cells. I described them as a novel third class of mammalian retinal photoreceptors in the inner retina (1993, 2002, 2005 and 2009) while primary visual cortex and lateral geniculate body were not yet formed. I also correctly reported that there are three classes of photoreceptors in the retina. Then in 1993: 125-32;25 I reported that they will be connected to nonvisual photoreceptors with nonvisual pigments/ipRGC. I called them in “Triplex hypothesis of vision” nonvisual system but, on that time every one was against my concept except a few scientists.
Those in opposition start to publish the same thing and same cells but, under different term “ipRGC” without any attention to my early correct work and report.

Again in 2013 I published it with some difficulties :IRJBCS Vol (1) 1-5 as the Triplex theory of vision.
I estimated these cells comprising ~10% of the total retinal ganglion cells in the human embryo. While I reported these cells two decades ago in 1993 still some claim incorrectly that they discovered them about a decade ago without referring to the original work.
I do not know how some can bypass the fact reported in literature and make such false
claim by changing the terminology.
I surprised that the authors easily overlooked the earlier related study to claim recognition and disregards my contribution or probably to get another unjust prize.
Thank you for attention, correction and response. The NVRGCS/ipRGCs first recognised on 1981 and published in 1993.
A.A. Kashani, M.D. aakashani@yahoo.com