It was a nasty job, not unlike trimming and cutting stained glass or ceramic tile. Splinters in the fingers, ruined lenses, short tempers, and loads of frustration accompanied the activity. After cribbing and running the lenses on the semi-automatic edger (ceramic stone, flat bevel), diamond drilling was done on this same bench. Careful fitting of the lens to one of the many AO, B&L, or other fine American rimless frame products (with complicated – but excellent leaf spring systems to tension the lens in the mounting) sold at our store then ensued.

For a full frame, the bevel was almost always put on by hand in those early days. The shop was a crowded and dark place with two bench men and two surface grinding guys. There was always a haze of dust in the air, as thick glass blanks were surfaced down, roughly at first and then smoother as the optical polishing compounds became finer and finer with each step in the process.

There was always a smell of Bunsen burners and pitch (used to attach the lenses to metal blocks) not to mention the higher pitched aromas of benzene, naptha, and acetone, which acted as solvents used to clean and prep surfaces.

When you hear grumpy folks talk about the good old days, it is true that many of the elements of craft have gone out of our industry. The skill level required to sit at this old bench and perform optical miracles day after day was very high. That skill was often acquired at a very high price, one wonders what effect all of the dust and chemicals did to the health of those involved, not mentioning the cost in materials.

I'm sure my early apprenticeship at the local B&L lab was a calculated move on my Dad's part to keep me away from this very work bench until I was able to handle the many tasks properly – no wonder B&L finally closed their local branches. (Plus they had to put up with my singing!) Sitting here with my laptop on the old bench makes me realize just how far we've come.

There has been a revolution in materials, lens technology, measuring devices (for fitting, refracting, and diagnostics) and thinking about eye care in general. Lasik, implants, overnight delivery, and designer lines that are truly creative and demonstrative of forward thinking. Great shows like Vision Expo East and West where we all stay abreast of the latest the world has to offer.

The good old days, - I'd say they are here now!