Catalogue Number: 2105 Lederer Lens Trial Set Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Low vision aid Designer/inventor: Josef Lederer Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c1955 Time Period: 1940 to 1999 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Australia Publisher/Manufacturer: Optical Products Pty Ltd Description Of Item: Three trial lenses in a black leatherette box, 146 mm x 70 mm x 25 mm, with hinged lid and two catches. White silk-like material lining inside of lid on which is affixed a label reading 'OPTICAL PRODUCTS PTY LTD'. The inside of case is divided into three red velvet lined compartments containing the lenses. Lenses have 'gold' metal rims with small finger handles marked 8, 10 and 12. The lenses are small aperture with a frosted annulus surrounding the lens proper. Previous owner's label on top of lid reading 'Robert Kaye Dip Optom FCCCLSA Optometrist Contact Lens Consultant Chatswood NSW 2067' Historical Significance: Professor Lederer (1921-2007) was professor of optometry at the University of NSW. He was the first professor of optometry in Australia. He advocated better optometric care for patients with low vision and designed this set of lenses to provide high plus correction for low vision. The design was published in Nature and Aust J Optom. [Lederer J. A new development in aids for sub-normal vision. Nature 1954; 4438: 997. Lederer J. The 'Lederer Lenses', a new development in sub-normal vision aids. Aust J Optom 1954;37: 302. See also Aust J Optom, Vol 37 Issue 5 Sep 29, 1956: The Lederer Lens by W G Kett in which is stated 'This lens was the first designed in Australia for the specific purpose of aiding those beyond the help of ordinary ophthalmic lenses'. Lederer's career and contribution to optometry is described by Alexander JA. Emeritus Professor Josef Lederer - A pioneer of low vision care Clin Exp Optom 2001; 84: 171-174. His obituary is at Cole BL. Emeritus Professor Josef Lederer 1921-2007 Clin Exper Optom 2007; 90: 388-389. See these items on this web site under the tab 'People who made history'. Optical Products was an Australian wholesale optical business that ground lenses and and made glasses to prescription. How Acquired: Donated by Robert Kaye, Sydney optometrist and one time Fellow of the College Date Acquired: July 2009 Condition: Very good Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 5 Drawer 2 |