The History of the International Iridology Practitioners Association

The International Iridology Practitioners Association is a registered non-profit organization founded in 1982 and governed by volunteer members who make up the Board of Directors. The organization was originally called the National Iridology Research Association, but the name has been changed to better reflect our activities and international scope.

For decades the majority in North America considered natural medicine practices (including Iridology) as useless and misguided approaches to health and healing. Had it not been for the efforts of Dr. Bernard Jensen and a few other pioneers, Iridology would have disappeared entirely.

In Europe, Iridology and other natural medicine practices continued to be utilized. Early Iridology beliefs were critically examined and either discarded or further developed, depending on research results and clinical observations. A larger body of information was compiled, but remained untranslated and inaccessible to most North Americans.

In 1978, German born American Iridologist Harri Wolf obtained a copy of Josef Deck’s “Principles of Iris Diagnosis,” interpreted the information, and began working with this European model. These approaches were remarkably different from the older North American information. Successfully tested in clinical practice, the need for an organization to disseminate the updated material and set professional standards in the field was recognized. The National Iridology Research Association was born.

In 1982 Bill Caradonna, a pharmacist studying alternative medicine, joined forces to create an active organization. They traveled the country lecturing at health fairs and teaching seminars to spread the word. At that time Dr. Bernard Jensen said “I think a lot of both Bill and Harri for the work they are doing.”

In 1984 a Certification program was developed and educational materials were produced. This was the first year the Iridology Review was published. Many of the early members, who joined at that time, are still active in IIPA today.

In 1986 NIRA produced the first Iridology Symposium in North America. It brought together leading Iridologists to present various models and ideas. Dr. Bernard Jensen received the NIRA Award of Appreciation for his activities.

In 1993 Bill Caradonna, acting Director of NIRA, attained non-profit tax-exempt status for the organization. Media interest increased and NIRA was able to provide rational information about this often misunderstood subject.

In 1995 NIRA expanded the Board of Directors, establishing several Departments and Committees to further accomplish its’ goals. Current departments include education, research, administration, membership, finance, public relations, publications and ethics.

By 1998, interest from like-minded Iridologists from other countries stimulated activity to affiliate with NIRA, including Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica, and England. To reflect this expansion, the Board of Directors approved changing the name to the International Iridology Research Association (IIRA). Also in 1998, the Board of Directors turned the presidency over to the capable hands of Dr. Ellen Tart.

The name of the organization was changed to the International Iridology Practitioners Association in August, 2000 to better reflect our commitment to those who practice the art and science of Iridology.

A list of current Board of Directors members is available on our website (see Directors in the menu to view this list).

If you are interested in assisting IIPA please contact one of these people or the Central Office. WE NEED YOUR HELP!