Vintage American Optical (AO) Optometrist Trial Lens Set

Description

A great find for display in an opthalmologist's/optometrist's clinic or for the avid optic collector!
Description
:
Trial lens set in leather-covered wooden case, 17"L x 12.25"W x 2.5"H, divided into compartments for different classes of lens including spherical and cylindrical lenses in biconvex and biconcave lens form in brass rims with handles, ranging in power from 0.12 D to 20 D, positive and negative cylindrical lenses ranging in power from 0.12 D to 6.00 D, prism lenses from 1 prism dioptre to 10 prism dioptres, a set of pinholes and stenopeaic slits and auxiliary lenses including a Maddox rod and a bi-prism. The lens powers are marked in dioptres. There is one original trial frame, a complex full rim 3-cell trial frame with adjustable PD, cylinder axis, nose rest and sides, as well as two additional rings for sizing. The lens case is made of wood covered in black leather with a single-hinged lid, the inside of which is lined with burgundy velvet. Briefcase closure with leather carry handle.
Historical Significance
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The maker of this trial lens set, American Optical Company was incorporated in 1869 although it had an earlier small business history that began in 1833. It became very large and highly respected company making spectacle frames, ophthalmic lenses, eye protection products, ophthalmic instruments and microscopes. After several decades of restructuring and selling certain operations due to the changing patterns of technology and competition, it was absorbed into Carl Zeiss Vision in 2005, bringing to end a 136 year history of a remarkably innovative and successful optical company. American Optical made trial frames from 1884 and produced its first trial lens set in 1895. It produced a trial lens set designed by noted New York optometrist Charles Prentice in 1898 based on the lenses being designated in effective power and made to close tolerance as well having a wide range of lens powers and comprehensive sets of auxiliary lenses and devices. It was the deluxe trial lens set of its day. It was superseded in 1918 by a new AO trial lens set designed by Dr Edgar D Tillyer, who joined the company in 1916 to lead the company's lens design and instrument development. This trial set owned by a local (now long retired) opthalmologist is an example of the Prentice designed trial lens set made between 1898 and 1920.