Echoes of the Past: The next big things

Today, 3D printing is one of hot topics of conversation in the optical sector and many have predicted that the technology will go on to have a major impact on the industry and how it operates.

In the mid-1960s, contact lenses and plastic ophthalmic lenses were the next big things. The two prophecies were said to be that contact lenses were sure to replace orthodox spectacles and that plastic lenses were certain to replace glass lenses.

‘If either of these confidently made prophecies were realised the optical industry of the day would certainly suffer all the pangs of a revolution,’ said the writer of the article.