Glasses

From the first spectacles that perched on noses around 750 years ago to AI-enhanced glasses for the visually impaired, we have been harnessing science - and design - to help us see for centuries. Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala peer into the wonders of glasses that bring the world into focus for an estimated 4 billion adults around the world. We visit the UK’s largest collection of eyewear - the British Optical Association Museum where we meet curator, Neil Handley. Jessica Glasscock, author of Making a Spectacle, reveals how the Harlequin frame – better known as the cat eye frame - transformed glasses for women in the US in the 1930s.

Meanwhile, historian Jo Gooding explores the role of the British welfare state in influencing glasses styles and the unintended consequences that arose from state provision.

For the UK consumer, things changed dramatically in the 1980s and Graham Daldry, former Creative Director of Specsavers shares the secrets of the winning ‘Should’ve gone to…’ campaign. And taking us to the next level, Karthik Mahadevan, the Founder and CEO of Envision gives us a demo of glasses that use AI and camera technology to assist people who are severely visually impaired.

Presenters: Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala Producer: Ruth Abrahams A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4