Echoes of the Past: New theory on the origin of spectacles

As R K Agarwal opines in his article from the November 13 issue of Optician from 1964, there are many different theories as to the origin of spectacles. Some historians state the Chinese were the first to use some form of visual aid, while others believe they originated in Italy. Even the early Vikings in Sweden can stake a claim.

Argawal made the case that it was in fact the Hindus that were the first to use spectacles. He said that in ancient Hindu, a number of references were made to eye diseases and ointments were said to be known to the Indus Valley People between 2500 and 1800 BC.