From The Optical Heritage Museum

The AO Lensometer provided a quick and accurate means to verify the power of an eyeglass lens and due to the affordability and ability to mass produce, revolutionized the Ophthalmic lens industry. AO’s chief scientists Dr. Edgar Tillyer and Dr. Estelle Glancy were intimately involved in the engineering effort of this device, which took over 10 years to perfect. Due to this impact on the optical industry, the ASME History & Heritage Committee deemed the AO Lensometer worthy of receiving landmark status.

I’ll never forget the day. The patient was a -9D myope, picking up her glasses in a very expensive frame. As with many myopes, she just wanted a ‘slight adjustment’ – several times. I admit to being a coward when I didn’t try to pop the lenses out to bring the temples in closer. I had wrapped the frame front in a towel, but you know what happened next – the AR on the lenses crazed, resulting in an upset patient as well as the optical manager. Now there’s a way to find the courage for these delicate adjustments.