Ocular

The concept of using eye glasses in order to improve

eyesight has been prevalent since the late

thirteenth century. As science progressively

improved, reputable doctors within the ophthalmology

field like Franciscus Cornelius Donders began to describe a

clear definition as to what should be done in order to improve

impairments of a patient's vision. Although it slowly became clear which

procedures benefited patients, there was no uniform test to document impairment

in someone's vision. Around this time, the knowledge within the field of ophthalmology

grew immensely. Also, as a result of industrialization, workers who may not have needed glasses

at home for general tasks found they did need clear vision to perform jobs that required finer handwork or machine skills. A standardized chart was revolutionary because it allowed people to have eyesight tested in any office that had the chart with the same results and prescription. This new collection celebrates the history, design, and beauty of such charts.