Catalogue Number: 1938 Snoflex 50 trial contact lens set Category: Spectacles and lenses Sub-Category: Contact lenses and accessories Corporation: Smith and Nephew Time Period: 1940 to 1999 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: Melbourne, Victoria Publisher/Manufacturer: Snoflex Contact Lens Industries Ltd Description Of Item: Contact lens trial set in a cream plastic box 164 x 82 x 22 H mm, with the words 'SNOFLEX 50' on the hinged lid. It contains 10 plastic round screw top containers in pairs affixed to a flat clear plastic base and a contact lens applicator in a transparent green cylindrical container. A label on the underside of the lid of the box identifies the parameters of the lens in each container, each of which is marked with a number 1 to 10. Historical Significance: Smith & Nephew was a pharmaceutical company in UK formed in 1856 by Thomas Smith. Smith & Nephew Associated Companies (SANAC) was formed in 1957 and was involved in rigid contact lens manufacture and solution distribution in UK. S&N purchased Obrig UK in 1970 in preparation for entry into the soft contact lens market in 1971 in a joint venture with Hydron. Hydron made the lens buttons and S&N lathe cut the lenses. In 1974 S&N and Hydron split with S&N continuing to produce lathe cut lenses. Snoflex 50 was launched by S&N in November 1974 How Acquired: Donated by Elizabeth Hatfield, fellow of the College Condition: Good Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 6 Drawer 2 |