What are Eyeglasses really?

Lauren Curry
Oct 16, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Sep 17, 2024

There is so much more to this profound technology than we often may think.

Over the course of the year, my focus has been on the fascinating technology of prescription eyeglasses. To present a comprehensive picture, I've created a timeline showcasing the rich history of eyeglasses, a map detailing the origins of popular brands, and a unique network revealing the brands' popularity through the number of optical stores selling them. Combining all this information with additional insights on the availability and accessibility of eyeglasses worldwide, I've woven a compelling narrative using the interactive Twine game format.

This is what the twine looks like in the background.

You can access this narrative in Twine here.

https://laurencc.itch.io/openeyeglassescom

I’ve used twine before so I was quite fortunate this time around as I already knew how to use the program. I do enjoy making twines as it gives the user the ability to be as creative as they want. There are really no rules which is great when coming up with something totally new in your head. For my twine I wanted to make a narrative through an online eyeglasses shopping type format.

What's it about?

Each user is able to go through the twine and understand the historical significance of the technology of eyeglasses as well as how popular eyeglass brands are and, most importantly, the cultural significance around the technology. It allows users to gain an understanding of the privilege of access to this technology.

What about a narrative

Gathering information was not too hard, other than I found it difficult to find new information, which may be an indication that there isn't much research going on to help those who are unable to get glasses in the world.

Focusing on one technology was quite interesting and eye opening for me as I never thought about how much context there is behind things we use everyday and don’t think twice about, such as eyeglasses. It was also hard to group everyone into one continent when referring to where users lived to provide information on the accessibility and availability of glasses in that area. There is such a difference between different parts in different countries and it isn’t the most accurate to lump people together through their continent, but this would take me a lot longer. Although it was difficult to accurately group individuals by continent, it has highlighted the differences in accessibility across various countries. If I had more time, I would aim to further investigate the specific accessibility issues for each country.

How is it different?

In contrast to the limitations of the timeline, map, and network, the narrative format allowed me to delve deeper into the subject matter and ask more profound questions. This has led to a more comprehensive understanding of the technology, and the context surrounding it. Overall, creating this narrative has been both challenging and rewarding, and I'm thrilled with what I've learned about eyeglasses as a technology.

References

Canadian Association of Optometrists. Indigenous access to eye health and vision care in Canada: a public health imperative. Opto.ca, https://opto.ca/sites/default/files/resources/documents/indigenous_eye_care_en_march_2018_digital_0.pdf

Gupta, P., Majithia, S., Fenwick, E. K., Gan, A. T. L., Tham, Y. C., Poh, S., Thakur, S., Sabanayagam, C., Wong, T. Y., Cheng, C. Y., & Lamoureux, E. L. (2020). Rates and determinants of eye care utilization and eyeglass affordability among individuals with visual impairment in a multi-ethnic population-based study in Singapore. Translational Vision Science & Technology, 9(5), 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401894/

Kocur, I., & Resnikoff, S. (2002). Visual impairment and blindness in Europe and their prevention. The British Journal of Ophthalmology, 86(7), 716–722. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1771203/

Potter A. R. (1998). Providing spectacles in developing countries. Millions endure poor vision for want of affordable glasses. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 317(7158), 551–552. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1113789/

Silva, J. C., Bateman, J. B., & Contreras, F. (2002). Eye disease and care in Latin America and the Caribbean. Survey of ophthalmology, 47(3), 267–274. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12052413/

Staden D. (2020). The universal eye health imperative for Canada: an inescapable reality of unmet need. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 627–630. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7438464/

Wang, J. J., Mitchell, P., & Smith, W. (1999). Use of eye care services by older Australians: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Australian and New Zealand journal of ophthalmology, 27(5), 294–300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10571388/

https://laurencurry2004.wixsite.com/my-site/post/eyeglasse-mapping

https://laurencurry2004.wixsite.com/my-site/post/timeline-eyeglasses

Image References

What are Eyeglasses really?

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