The conducted archival research and analysis of literary publications allowed us to supplement the biography and creative path in science, clinical and social activities of the outstanding Russian ophthalmologist A.N. Maklakov. This article emphasizes the urgency of the problem of teaching in medical universities, and gives special attention to the thoughts of the scientist about providing clarity in the process of teaching students. The article notes his role in the arrangement and equipment of the new eye clinic of the Moscow University, and presents fragments of memoirs of his student and mentee, another famous Russian ophthalmologist S.S. Golovin. A remark is made about the need to clarify the terms traditionally accepted in the history of medicine in relation to surgery and ophthalmology. An assessment is given on the contribution of A.N. Maklakov to the establishment of the Moscow Ophthalmological Circle, his efforts to unite doctors, and the development of the statutory documents of the All-Russian Society of Eye Doctors.