Optical history

[crosseyedwildcat]

Hello all

I am an optician who also happens to be a history buff. Being some what younger than the average optician, I do not have first hand knowledge of advancements we have made from glass to the delta to today's free form designs of progressives.

Is there any resource that chronicles the history of our wonderfule Profession?

Thanks for any help

[Fezz]

www.antiquespectacles.com is a start!

[Jacqui]

Ask Chris Ryser, Chip Anderson or any of the old-timers here, we've seen it all and then some.

[Ph0t0n]

Good article also over at Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasses


Also good stuff at about.com

http://inventors.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=inventors&cdn=money&tm=8&gps=64_980_1676_881&f=20&su= p554.2.150.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//web.archive.org/web/20020201215836/http%3A//www.eye.utmem.edu/history/glass.html

[rbaker]

I have always been interested in the history of the US ophthalmic optical business and have collected quite a bit of information. One of the problems with this particular area of interest is the fact that most of the original American companies are no longer in business and little other than some produce has been saved. American Optical has supposedly donated their archives to the U of Rochester but as of today the stuff is still uncatalogued and unavailable for inspection. The museum is in storage pending the acquisition of a suitable location and some funds to get it off the ground.

You will find much information at the US Patent Office as just about everything was patented by either AO, B&L, Shuron, Continental, and others. Additionally there is a lot of history that took place "in the dark."

[Judy Canty]

There was a book published a few years ago, Looking Back by Joe Bacotti.

[crosseyedwildcat]

Thanks to everyone who has had advice on this.

[rbaker]

You might find this web site interesting:

http://pincenez1.blogspot.com

[Alan B.]

Thanks Dick for mentioning the Pince-Nez Renaissance. I'm having a great time learning about pince-nez eyewear and the beautiful craftsmanship of the era. I recently acquired a trial fingerpiece set by American Optical dating back to probably 1920 or so. There are two articles w/ photos appearing on the Renaissance. Please check it out.

[Fezz]

Alan,

Great site. Thanks for posting your information and pictures!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[crosseyedwildcat]

Thanks again