**Core Concept**
The field of ophthalmology has a rich history, with several key figures contributing to its development. The "father of ophthalmology" is a title given to a pioneer who made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of eye diseases.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) is often credited as the father of ophthalmology due to his detailed descriptions of eye diseases and surgical techniques in his works. However, the most notable figure in this regard is likely **Susruta**, an ancient Indian physician who wrote the Susruta Samhita, a comprehensive text on ophthalmology and surgery around 600 BCE. Susruta's work described various eye diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment, including cataract surgery using a needle and a thread. His contributions to ophthalmology are still studied and recognized today.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Although Galen (129-216 CE) made significant contributions to medicine, including ophthalmology, he is not considered the father of ophthalmology.
* **Option B:** **Santos Dumont** was a Brazilian aviation pioneer, not an ophthalmologist.
* **Option C:** **William Harvey** is known for his discovery of blood circulation, not ophthalmology.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Susruta Samhita, an ancient Indian medical text, contains detailed descriptions of cataract surgery, including the use of a needle and a thread, over 2,500 years ago.

**Correct Answer:** D. Susruta.