Echoes of the Past: Model patients

Thirty years ago this week the optical sector was excited by the arrival of a new type of patient to help train students.

At first glance, the Optician issue of July 25 1975 appears to have invited Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson as guest editor. The head in the centre of the frame staring directly into the lens is particularly creepy.

Taking a closer look, it emerges that the face at the tip of the pyramid is actually ophthalmic dispensing instructor Freeda Storm, standing proudly over her collection of optical figurines.

The prosopic models are billed as a new concept in frame fitting. Students in Houston were gaining more practical experience in dispensing by finding the right frames for each of the plaster of Paris characters.