History
To become an in-office lens manufacturer, it’s crucial that you first understand how we got here. The more you learn about lens manufacturing history, the better you’ll understand the power of the pivot over the years. We would like to start by showing you the first lens manufacturing models introduced in the US and to do that we need to take you way back to 1916.
History
To become an in office lens manufacturer, it is important for you to understand how we got here. The more you understand about how we got here is the more you will understand about the power of the pivot in lens manufacturing history. We would like to start by showing you the first lens manufacturing models introduced in the US and to do that we need to take you way back to 1916. Post World War I .
World War I cuts off America’s traditional lens sources in Europe. This motivates the Bausch and Lomb team to launch first volume factory production of ophthalmic glass in the U.S.
Invention of the television creates a public need for distance glasses in addition to reading glasses.
Having been credited with the introduction of the optical industry dating back to the 1800s when a jeweler evolved their skill into eyewear manufacturing, AO Launches Cool Ray sunglasses. These are the first polarized sunglasses on the market.
The Pittsburg Plate Glass Company introduced CR-39 as a lightweight plastic lens- a move that cemented plastic as a popular lens material. Up until this point, most lenses were made from crown glass or flint glass.
With a 1.59 index of refraction, they were applauded their durability. As many new things in the optical world, polycarbonate lenses were first met with skepticism. Now, however, they are the often the lens of choice for children and high-risk individuals.
Computer numerically controlled cutting (CNC) was being used in the aerospace and automobile industry. CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) technology was used in the production of devices needing high precision lenses.
A major industry breakthrough, Optima combined the three most sought-after eyeglass lens benefits – lightweight, ultra thin and truly distortion-free optics – into one lens product. Not only was the lens lightweight and very thin, it also delivered an unprecedented level of optical clarity when compared with other high index plastic materials. The lens dramatically improved the cosmetic appearance of the eyes and glasses and eliminated many common eyeglass complaints – the rainbow swim effect (associated with polycarbonate lenses), peripheral distortion, magnification and minification of objects and the bug eyes or coke bottle eyes look.
Optima Inc. introduces the first high index progressive lens. Named HYPERINDEX® 1.60 Progressive, the lens was designed to provide relief for near, mid-range and distance while also remaining thin and light.
It was suggested that leading equipment manufacturers of lens manufacturing machines should consider developing equipment that could cut ophthalmic lenses with complex surface geometry to prescription
This was made possible by highly advanced generators. As the technology advanced, so has the equipment. The interest among the laboratories is extremely high, limited only by the cost of the investment, a minimum of $400,000 to well over $1 Million.
A patent is issued to Zeiss 1992. Seiko receives a similar patent in 2000. Both describe progressive lens manufacturing.
The industry ultimately pays royalties for many years to both companies.
NCRx Optical Solutions commences development of its unique surfacing and polishing machines.