Don Whitney & Ophthalmic Optics
Files in PDF Format
compiled by Dick Whitney
Dad spent the years between 1947 and his death in 1998 dealing with ophthalmic optics. I decided to include some of Don Whitney's technical writings, as if one is searching to learn about AO, there may indeed be an interest for some to read about aspects of Ophthalmic Optics. One paper which he wrote while at AO was a paper written with the intent of publication. It dealt with Prentice's Rule. Dad wrote it with the intention of it being published. This never occurred, so I am publishing it here for all to read!
Another paper that he wrote that I find interesting, was actually a memo written to me on plano lenses (see #2 below). This was at a time that he had "retired" from a full time position at AO and was now a consultant. During that period I learned a lot from him as there was no longer a conflict of interest for me to work with him. I also benefitted greatly from working with Dave LaMarre and Dr. John Winthrop.
Summary of Don Whitney Ophthalmic Optics Technical Papers available here:
Plano Lenses
1.) Prentice's Rule - Its Application and Limitiations (with some thoughts about Plano Lenses) - 2/12/82 Appendix Diagram - 30-Apr-06
2.) Plano lenses
(memo from April 28, 1985) Rev 11/19/02 Corrected
diagram at top of page 4
Focimetry Info
3.) AO Letter to Federal Trade Commission discussing accuracy / operator repeatability of the AO Lensometer:
4.) Add Power measurement: 1951 procedure that he wrote on using the AO Lensometer ; it describes why the segment surface should be placed against the Lensometer nose when determining add Power and the theory applies to all Focimeters today for conventionally designed products..
6.) Accuracy
of Focimeters (preparred as part of a package when he was
chairing ISO TC 172 in 1983).
Prism tolerancing logic used in ISO and ANSI Standards
7.) 1957 AO Memo to Alex Torda on "Centering Standards"
8.) 1991 AO Memo titled " Some thoughts on prism and centering of Uncut SV Lenses
9.) Don Whitney 1982 AO Memo on Magnification and Low Vision Aids
10.) Hand drawn 1981 Ophthalmic Optics training slides for KAM Training - useful references for the newcomer to this field - 3mb pdf New - May 5, 2009
Don was active in ANSI
, ISO
and chaired the OMA Lens Technical Committee (which I chair today - OMA
is now the Vision Council). The ISO
Reference Wavelength issue was also something both he and I were involved
in.
Dick Whitney Ophthalmic Optics Technical materials - Rev May 27, 2008
Optical Heritage Museum website - AO Technical Papers
Contact Dick Whitney via email at r.b.whitney@verizon.net
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