The first reported crude spectacles were made in 1284 in Italy but were limited to correcting hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (the inability to see close-up). It was not until the 1400s that myopia (shortsightedness) could be corrected with a different lens design. It took until 1825 before lenses were designed by George Airy to correct astigmatism. Well-known inventor Benjamin Franklin developed bifocal lenses in 1784.
Progressive lenses which are very widely utilised in developed countries were invented in London in 1905 but were plagued with optical distortions which made them unwearable. The first commercially available progressive lenses were developed by the French in the 1950s.
With advances in computer design and sophisticated lens manufacturing techniques, we are now privileged to have a vast array of lenses to restore clear, comfortable and efficient vision is specially designed for today’s complex work environments.
It is the optometrist’s role to establish the eye condition and match the condition with the appropriate lens design to satisfy individual visual needs while relating these to lifestyle. The starting point is a comprehensive examination of both the refractive errors as well as any ocular health conditions which could impact on the vision.
Once the lens form has been determined, it is important that this be incorporated in specially designed spectacles or contact lenses. While many consider the spectacle frame a “fashion item” it is important that this is not only appealing cosmetically it also maximises the performance of the lenses.
We are committed to taking the time to ensure that all aspects of the eye examination and dispensing of spectacles performed to the highest level to provide patients with clearest possible vision and spectacles or contact lenses that meet their cosmetic needs.