Vintage Articles
The truth is always stranger than fiction
STORIES FROM THE PAST
Did you know Sunglasses were first used by Hollywood movie stars of the 1920’s? Would you believe doctors once prescribed a “good dosage of UV” as good for the eyes? What if we told you that the most pioneering and influential woman in the history of optical industry could not even land a job in her home country?
Truth is always stranger than fiction - our comprehensive range of vintage stories will give you a backstage pass into the history of the optical industry. Written exclusively for the museum by esteemed author, Ted Gioia.
From inception to industry shaping essential, it can be argued that the AO lensometer is the most influential device for the past 100 years within the optical industry.
The AO Lensometer History
The Pioneer of Modern Lens Design. Estelle Glancy was more than the first lady of optics, she was the mind behind the success of the industry.
Dr. Estelle Glancy
Why do my eyes hurt? The answer can be traced back 100+ years. Welcome to the long, painful history of eye fatigue and eyestrain.
Eyestrain
AO Eyewear has an important role to play in their latest challenge - get man into space. Read the incredible journey of the most space age glasses ever made!
Optical and the Moon
They keep you cool while the weather heats up. But sunglasses weren’t always a fashion accessory - you never would have guessed where they came from.
Sunwear
Keeping your eyes fresh and on the move - from the turn of the century to the modern day.
Relaxation
American Optical goes to Hollywood, and delivers a wide screen cinema experience to revolutionize the film industry.
TODD-AO Cinema Lens
Just imagine it, there is no internet, no TV and radio is only just beginning… so how do you educate the public on healthy eyes and vision?
Education
American Optical partners with arguably the most influential artist of the day, Norman Rockwell.
Norman Rockwell
How professionals “saw the light” when it came to protecting their patients from UV light.
UV Protection
From humble beginnings, to becoming the largest and most innovative optical company in the world. This is the history of the American Optical Company.
AO History
Eyewear for children is just as important as eyewear for adults, and yet it has only been a recent development. Let’s find out why…
Children
About the Author
TED GIOIA
Ted Gioia is an American author, musician, critic and historian with 11 non-fiction books to his name. His interest in history combined with a corporate background in global marketing roles with some of the largest companies in the optical industry, make him the perfect author to help retell the stories of past achievements through our vintage articles.
To learn more about Ted Gioia and his work, head to tedgioia.com
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