For the First Time in Philadelphia, Optometry’s Meeting Features a Packed Schedule of Events This Week

PHILADELPHIA—The American Optometric Association's Optometry's Meeting got underway on Wednesday June 25, 2014 with the Essilor-sponsored opening general session, where awards were presented to leading optometrists and to the inventor of the progressive addition lens.   Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor of Varilux progressive lenses for Essilor, received the highest award presented to the general public by the AOA, the Apollo Award. Accepting via video presentation, he pointed out that the AOA meeting was being held in the historic home of Benjamin Franklin, inventor of the bifocal, which Maitenaz said the progressive addition lenses that he invented improved upon. He also acknowledged the independent optometrists who helped with the success of Varilux lenses, the first version of which were introduced in 1959, followed by Varilux 2 in 1972 when "the profession really adapted and progressive lens acceptance took off." -   See more