AO LENSOMETER: 1921
Landmark Designation Ceremony
Saturday 25th March, 2023. An historic occasion for the eyewear industry.
Recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as a landmark mechanical engineering achievement, the AO Lensometer of 1921 took centre stage at the Optical Heritage Museum.
Dr. Estelle Glancy & Dr. Edgar Tillyer are the minds behind the lensometer.
ASME’s Landmark designation is granted to artifacts that represent a significant step forward in the evolution of mechanical engineering. Including the AO Lensometer, 279 artifacts from around the world have been designated historic mechanical engineering landmarks, heritage collections or heritage sites. The ASME History and Heritage Committee selects these artifacts based on their engineering attributes, role in the evolution of the mechanical engineering profession, and significance to society in general.
The 1921 AO Lensometer was the first commercial instrument that allowed opticians to accurately verify eyeglass prescriptions on an affordable device, which could be mass-produced. As a result, the optical dispensing process became more accurate and enabled significant advancements in the eye care industry.
The museum celebrated with a dinner, plaque unveiling and immersive light show.
See the photos from the “night at the museum” immersion experience
About the ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
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