Bonus Episode: Optical Technology (HISTORY OF EYEGLASSES + MODERN DAY VISION)

When were glasses invented? What happened back then if your horse stepped on them? How is the digital age changing adults’ and kids’ vision? The first half of this special bonus episode about Optical Technology features the charmingly hilarious director of the Museum of the Eye in San Francisco, Jenny Benjamin. Then we bop over to Houston, Texas for the ultra-knowledgeable real-life optometrist, Dr. Nadia Sledge to chat about the importance of annual exams and where our eyesight is trending in the digital age. Also: dark Roman trivia, Downton Abbey fashion, how online eye tests overlook critical conditions, and how you would have survived in the past without spectacles.

Listen via Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Podbay, Podcast Addict, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Ad-free episodes available by subscribing to SiriusXM Podcasts+. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Donations went to Onesight and the Museum of the Eye


Links to things we discussed:

Ben Franklin’s Drawings of Bifocals

Benjamin Franklin reveals his design for bifocal glasses

One of the first pictures of a person wearing glasses

First depiction of glasses, used by Cardinal Hugh of Provence. Detail of a fresco by Tommaso da Modena in the Dominican Chapter of the church of St. Nicholas in Treviso (Italy), 1352. 

The Tomb of Salvino Armati

Prehistoric Inuit Snow-Goggles, circa 1200

I Wear My Sunglasses at the Fight? The Emperor Nero and the History of Sunglasses

Opera glasses for theater or binoculars? Best Opera glasses

Perfume bottle with telescoping monocular

Perfume Bottle with Spyglass - CandiceHern.com

Opera glass | Science Museum Group Collection

The Effect of Wearing Eyeglasses on the Perception of Attractiveness, Confidence, and Intelligence - PMC

Is it Time for Reading Glasses?

What Is Presbyopia? - American Academy of Ophthalmology

Vintage Chinese Eyeglasses Horn or Resin Carved Rims

Gallery of lorgnettes

How to Know If Your Child Needs Glasses | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Kids don't know they need glasses: 7 vision tips for parents

Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050 

The Role of Vitamin D3 in Ocular Diseases - PMC

Evolution's Witness: How Eyes Evolved by Ivan R. Schwab

What Are Polarized Lenses For? - American Academy of Ophthalmology

Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain - American Academy of Ophthalmology

20-20-20 Rule: Does It Help Prevent Digital Eyestrain?

Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics

Purpose of the Air Puff Test in an Eye Exam

Tribute to Maggie Smith: Our Favourite Moments From The Dowager Countess of Grantham | Downton Abbey

What Did Nearsighted Humans Do Before Glasses?

St. John Eye Hospital 


Other episodes you may enjoy:

Ophthalmology (EYES)

Medieval Codicology (WEIRD OLD MANUSCRIPT ART & MEMES & SNAILS)

Experimental Archeology (OLD TOOLS/ATLATLS)

Literary Olfactology (THE POLITICS OF SMELL)

Proptology (THEATER & FILM PROPS)

Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE)

Funology (YES, FUN)

Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES)


Ologies info:

400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic

Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes

Sponsors of Ologies

Transcripts and bleeped episodes

Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month

OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!

Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky

Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok

Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee

Managing Director: Susan Hale

Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth 

Transcripts by Aveline Malek

Website by Kelly R. Dwyer

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

MechanicsAlie Ward