Jay M. Galst, MD

Jay M. Galst, MD, 69, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with coronavirus.

Dr. Galst (Columbia University, 1976) was in private practice in Manhattan. He was a clinical professor at the New York Medical College and a senior attending surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. An avid coin collector, Jay specialized in coins of Judea and ophthalmology. He served as president and board member of the New York Numismatic Club, was a life fellow of the American Numismatic Society, and president of the Bronx Coin Club.

Dr. Galst had a deep interest in ophthalmic history. He was involved with the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye since 1985, serving on numerous committees, and was currently the Co-Chair of the Acquisitions Subcommittee (2018-present). His love of ophthalmic history extended to membership in the Cogan Ophthalmic History Society and the Ocular Heritage Society.

Jay combined his optical and numismatic passions in his book "Ophthalmologia, Optica Et Visio in Nummis," which provided an extensive history of ophthalmic coins and medals. His many other hobbies included playing a round of golf at Fenway Golf club, going to a concert at the New York Philharmonic, traveling to different countries with his greatest traveling companion, his wife, Joann, and enjoying a good steak and a bottle of red wine over a dinner at the Palm with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joann, his son, David, and a loving extended family, all of whom he adored.