Annex B

(Informative)
It is possible also to measure and plot other
parameters such as the prism.
Method for evaluating progressive addition lens characteristics

Future developments may indicate which

B.1 The purpose of this annex is to provide a
Method for assessing certain optical
properties of progressive addition lenses.
There is no intention to standardize what the
optics should be nor how those optics affect
the use or acceptance of these lenses.
measures are the most useful.
ISO 8598 and which has been specially
adapted for the purpose should be used for
measuring these characteristic in the as-worn
position. He manufacturer should specify the
aperture used in the measuring instrument.

Other methods which provide measurements
that are equivalent to thosedetermination
using this method are also acceptable.
B.2 The characterization may be composed
of several parameters, but should at least
include spherical equivalent and astigmatism,
as follows:
The principal ray path (or the instrument
axis, if applicable) should intersect both the
measuring point and the optical centre of
rotation of the eye (see figure B. 1). It should
be possible to adjust the angle to at least =
40o form the fitting point in all directions
except for the downward direction for which
it should be greater than or equal to 45o .

a) spherical equivalent id the mean of the two

principal meridian powers (F1 and F2) at any Dimensions in millimeters
point on the lens;

b) astigmatism is the difference between the

principal meridian powers.
 6.3 Material and surface quality
See annex A.
7 Marking
7.1 Permanent marking
The lens shall be permanently marked at least
with the following.
a) The alignment reference marking
comprising two marks located 34mm apart,
equidistant to a vertical plane through the
fitting point or prism reference point.
b) Indication of the addition power, in
dioptres.
c) Indication of the manufacturer, or supplier,
or tradename, or trademark.
Lenses, on which the reference marking is
not located in accordance with a) and lwnses
which are not inscribed with the tradname or
manufacturer’s name are not excluded from
this part of ISO 8980 for a transition period
of 5 years after publication of this edition.
7.2 Optional non-permanent marking
The following optional non-permanent
marking is recommended:
a) the alignment reference marking;
b) indication of the distance reference point.
c) indication of the fitting point.
e) indication of the prism reference point.
8 Identification
8.1 Identification of the lens to be stated
on the package of the lens or an
accompanying document
The two standards specifying the tolerances on uncut lenses
for those engaged in ‘cut edge and fitting’. However most of that which is in BS 2738-1:1998 is duplicated in
these two parts. The different – page 5 part 6, and pages 5 and annex B from part 7 are reproduced here.
The following information shall be stated:
a) dioptric power, in dioptres;
b) nominal lens size, in millimeters;
c) colour (if not white;
d) identification of any coating;
e) material tradename or refractive index and
manufacturer’s or supplier’s tradename or
equivalent;
f) addition power and corrected values for the
as worn position (if applicable), in dioptres
(see 5.1.1);
g) an indication stating right lens or left lens
if applicable);
h) style designation or tradename;
i) Corrected values for optical centration and
prismatic power, if corrections have been
made for the as-worn position (see 5.1.1).
8.2 Information to be made available
The following information shall be available
on request:
a) centre or edge thickness, in millimeters;
b) base curve, in dioptres;
c) optical properties (including constringence
and spectral transmittance).
d) prism thinning (if applicable);
e) centration chart for the reconstruction of
the non-permanent markings relative to the
permanent markings.
9 Reference to this part of ISO 8980
(BS 2738-7:1996)
If the manufacturer or supplier claims
compliance with this part of ISO 8980,
reference shall be made to ISO 8980-2 either
on theBS 2738-6:1996 and BS literature.
2738-7:1996 are essential
package or in available

6.3 Segment size measurement method
Measure the segment size in the tangential
plane to the centre of the segment using a
shadowgraph, an optical comparator fitted
with the appropriate graticule or a precision
millimetric measuring instrument.
6.4 Matrial and surface quality
See annex A.
7 Identification
7.1 Identification of the lens to the stated on
the packeage of the lens or in an
accompanying document
The following information at least shall be
stated:
a) for all lenses
1) dioptric power, in dioptres,
2) nominal lens size, in millimeters,
3) colour if not white),
4) Identification of any coating,
5) material tradename or refractive index and
Manufacturer’s or supplier’s tradename or
equivalent
6) corrected values for optical centration and
Prismatic power if corrections have been
Made for the as-worn position (see 5.1.1)
b) for multifocal lenses
1) addition power and corrected values for
the as-worn position (if applicable), in
dioptress (see 5.1.),
2) segment dimension, in millimeters,
3) an indication stating right lens or left lens
(if applicable),
4) segment prism, in prism dioptres (if
applicable),
5) style designation or tradename.
7.2 Information to be made available
The following information shall be available
on request:
a) the centre or edge thickness, in
millimeters,
b) the base curve, in dioptres:
c) the optical properties (including
constringence and spectral transmittance);
d) the prism thinning (if applicable)
8 Reference to this part of ISO 8980
(BS 2738-6:1996)
If the manufacturer or supplier claims
compliance with this part of ISO 8980,
reference shall be made to ISO 8980-1 either
on the package or in available literature.
Annex B (informative)
Method of evaluating progressive power lens
characteristics
B.1 The purpose of this annex is to provide a
method for assessing certain optical
properties of progressive addition lenses.
There is no intention to standardize what the
optics should be nor how those optics affect
the use or acceptance of these lenses.
Other methods which provide measurements
that are equivalent to these detained using
this method are also acceptable.
B.2 The characterization may be composed
of several parameters, but should at least
include spherical equivalent and astigmatism,
as follows:
a) Spherical equivalent is the mean of the
two principal meridian powers (F1 and
F2) at any point on the lens.
b) Astigmatism is the difference between
the principle meridian powers.
It is possible also to measure and plot other
parameters such as the prism.
Future developments may indicate which
measures are the most useful.
A focimeter which conforms to Bs
ISO 8598 and which has been
specially adapted for the purpose
should be used for measuring these
characteristics in the as-worn position. The
manufacturer should specify the aperture
used in the measuring instrument.
The principal ray path (or the instrument
axis, if applicable) should intersect both the
measuring point and the optical center of
rotation of the eye (see Figure B.1). It should
be possible to adjust the angle δ to at least ±
40o from the fitting point in all direction
except for the downward direction for which
it should be greater than or equal to 45o.
For progressive addition lens characteristics a
measurement with infinity distance has been
chosen.
The recommended representations of the
optical measurements across the lens are
contour plot diagrams.
The reference test lenses for semi-finished
lens blanks of base curve specified by the
manufacturer’s surfacing chart should have
the following characteristics:
– distance power plano;
– addition power + 2.000 D.
for other base curves and addition powers the
manufacturer should indicate the base curve,
distance power and addition power of the
lenses used.
A.3.2 Rimless and other lenses
Flat-edged lenses should present a smooth
finish with a neat safety chamfer at each
edge.
Holes for rimless fittings should be drilled at
the correct distance from the edge according
to the type of mounting Slots and grooves
when required should be accurately
positioned. Brow-bars should be carefully b) on the left lens, two marks placed
adjusted to follow the edge of the lens. symmetrically one either side of the
The ends of screws should be neatly finished. joint line (see Figure A2).
All ends of screws should be neatly and
carefully fitted to endure that they are
securely held in position yet show no
significant strain when examined in a
polariscope or strainviewer.

Annex A (informative)

Recommendations regarding subjective

A.4 Sitting of round lenses
Characteristics of spectacle lenses
The setting position of round lenses (except
those of thermally-toughened glass) should
A.1 Lens pairs
be indicated by means of permanent marks
placed next to the joint on the back lens
The two lenses of a pair should be reasonably
surface as follows:
matched in shape, size, form and mass and,
a) on the right lens, one mark on the
except where necessary for matching
joint line;
purpose, should not be substantially thicker
than is required to give mechanical stability.
NOTE In certain cases a satisfactory match
may require lenses to be
A.2 Material and surface quality
A.2.1 Assessment
In the inspection zone detailed in item a), b)
or c), as applicable, the lens should not
exhibit any defect either internally or on the
surfaces which may impair vision. Outside
this zone, small isolated material and or
surface defects are acceptable.
a) Single-vision lenses. The inspection
zone is an area 30mm in diameter
centered around the reference point.
b) Multifocal lenses. The inspection
zone comprises two areas: a zone of
30mm in diameter, or for segments
over 20mm in diameter, a 300mm
diameter zone centered around the
near design reference point.
c) Progressive power lenses. The
inspection zone is an area 30mm in
diameter, centered around the prism
reference point, together with a zone
of 10mm diameter centered around
the near reference point.
A.2.2 Test method
Carry out the lens inspection at a light dark
boundary and without the aid of magnifying
optics.
The recommended system is shown in Figure
A. 1. Inspect the lens within a room with
ambient lighting of about 200 Ix. Use a
source of at least 400 Im as an inspection
lamp, for example a fluorescent tube of 15 W
or a partially shaded 40 W incandescent clear
lamp.
NOTE This observation method is subjective
and requires some experience.
A.3 Glazing
A.3.1 Bevelled lenses
The bevel should be smooth, regular, free
from chips and starring and reasonably free
from facets, with a safety chamfer at the peak
and at each edge where necessary. When
mounted, the lenses should be free from
excessive strain caused in mounting, but
should be securely held in position so that
movement or rotation in the frame cannot
occur under any normal condition of use.
Lenses after mounting should not depart
significantly from the strain pattern of the
edged lens. No gaps should be visible
between the edge of the lens and the rim.
The halves of joins should close properly
without under force and without leaving a
noticeable gap at the joint.
BS 2738-1:1998
7.2 Cylinder axis and prism base setting
measurement method
Measure the cylinder axis and prism base
setting in relation to the horizontal as
determined by the spectacle frame.
7.3 Addition power measurement:
multifocal lenses
Place the lens so that the surface containing
the addition segment is against the focimeter
lens support (see Figure la) and cnetralise the
lens at the near reference point.
Measure the near vertex power.
Establish the distance vertex power
measurement point D (see Figure 2), which is
at the same distance above and to the side of
the distance reference point B as the near
vertex power measurement point N is from
B. Then place the lens against the focimeter
lens support (see Figure 16) and centralize
the lens at D.
Measure the distance vertex power.
Calculate the addition power as the
difference between the near vertex power and
the distance vertex power.
NOTE 1 Alternative measurement methods are acceptable if
shown to perform equivalently to the above reference
method.
NOTE 2 In the case of aspheric lens, the distance reference
point should be specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE 3 In the case of negative lenses with negative
distance powers of 6.00 D or morc, back vertex
measurement methods are permitted.
If the lens is designed according to the back vertex power
measuring method, this should be stated by the
manufacturer.
7.4 Addition power measurement
method: progressive power lenses
Place the lens so that the progressive side is
against the focimeter lens support (see Figure
1a) and centralize the lens at the near
reference point.
Measure the near vertex power.
Then measure the distance vertex power at
the distance reference point, with the
progressive surface against the focimeter lens
support (see Figure 1b).
Calculate the addition power as the
difference between the near vertex power and
the distance vertex power.
NOTE 1 Alternative measurement methods are acceptable of
shown to perform equivalently to the above reference
method.
In the case of a special conception design the
reference method is not applicable, the
manufacturer shall specify the reference
points for the addition measurement.
NOTE 2 In the case of negative lenses with negative
distance powers of 6.00 D or more, back vertex power
measurement. Methods are permitted. If the lens is
designed according to the to the back vertex power
measuring method, this should be stated by manufacture.
NOTE 3 If the manufacturer publishes information on the
evaluation of a progressive power lens, the method of
determination of those characteristics should be based on the
method indicated in annex B.
7.5 Segment size measurement method
Measure the segment size in the tangential
plane to the segment centre using a
shadowgraph, an optical comparator fitted
with the appropriate graticule or a precision
millimetric measuring instrument.
7.2 Cylinder axis and prism base setting
measurement method
Measure the cylinder axis and prism base
setting in relation to the horizontal as
determined by the spectacle frame.
7.3 Addition power measurement:
multifocal lenses.
Place the lens so that the surface containing
the addition segment is against the focimeter
lens support (see Figure 1a) and centralize
the lens at the near reference point.
Measure the near vertex power.
Establish the distance vertex power
measurement point D (see Figure 2). Which
is at the same distance above and to the side
of the distance reference point B. then place
the lens against the focimeter lens support
(see Figure 1b) and centralize the lens at D.
Measure the distance vertex power.
 Calculate the addition power as the
difference between the near power and the
distance vertex power.
NOTE 1 alternative measurement methods are acceptable if
shown to perform equivalently to the above reference
method.
NOTE 2 In the case of an aspheric lens the distance
reference point should be specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE 3 In the case of negative lenses with negative
distance powers of 6.00 or more, back vertex power
measurement methods are permitted.
If the lens is designed according to the back vertex power
measuring method, this should be stated by the
manufacturer.
Calculate the addition power as the
difference between the near vertex power and
the distance vertex power.
NOTE 1 Alternative measurement methods are acceptable if
show to perform equivalently to the above reference method.
In the case of special conception design, if
the reference method is not applicable, the
manufacture shall specify the reference
points for the addition measurement.
NOTE 2 In the case of negative lenses with negative
distance powers of 6.00 D or more, back vertex power
measurement, methods are permitted. If the lens is designed
according to the back vertex power measuring method, this
should be stated by the manufacture.
NOTE 3 If the manufacturer publishes information on the
evaluation of a progressive power lens, the method of
determination of those characteristics should be based on the
method indicated in annex B.

7.5 Segment size measurement method

Measure the segment size in the tangential
plane to the segment center using a
shadowgraph, an optical comparator fitted
with the appropriate graticule or a precision
Meridlonal lens Horizontal tolerance Vertical tolerance
powers
Both lenses < 0.25 and 2.Omm 0.25 and 1.0mm total
2.00 displacement displacement
Both lenses ≥ 2.0mm total displacement 1.0mm total displacement
2.00
One lens < 2.00 0.1 12 and 2.0mm 0.25 and 1.0mm total
One lens ≥ 2.00 displacement displacement

millimetirc measuring instrument.

7.4 Additions power measurement method: Table 5 – Centration tolerances

progressive power lenses
Place the lens so that the progressive side is
against the focimeter lens at the near
reference point.
Measure the near vertex power.
Then measure the distance vertex power at
the distance reference point, with the
progressive surface against the focimeter lens
support (see Figure 1b).
5.2.4 Optical centration. Pairing tolerance
5.2.4.1 Lenses without ordered prism or with
ordered prism powers ≤ 2.00 in each lens
After neutralizing any prescribed or thickness
reducing prism, the tolerance on the relative
prism two lens of a pair when measured at
the centration points shall be as given in
Table 6.
 NOTE 1 It should be noted that in Table 5, the first column
relates to doiptirc power (D) whereas in Table 6 it relates to
prismatic power ( ).
The horizontal and vertical components of
prism shall be toleranced separately.
NOTE: 2 The positioning tolerances given in 5.3.1 or 5.3.2
may be used to reduce any relative prism that would
otherwise be produced by the individual prism tolerances
allowed in BS EN ISO 898 –1 (BS 27738-6) and BS EN ISO
898 -2 (BS 2738-7).
5.2.4.2 Additional tolerance for lenses where
one or both incorporate ordered prismatic
powers > 2.00
For pairs of lenses where either or both
lenses incorporate ordered prismatic power >
2.00 , an additional tolerance on the relative
prismatic power between the two lenses shall
be as given in Table 6.
The horizontal and vertical components of
prism shall be tolerance separately.
NOTE The positioning tolwrances given in 5.3.1 or 5.3.2
may be used to reduce any relative prism that would
otherwise be produced by the individual prism toterances
allowed in BS EN ISO 8980 -1 (BS 2738-6) and BS EN ISO
8980-2 (BS 2738-7)
Table 6 – Prism tolerances
Relative prismatic power Additional tolerance
> 2.00 up to 10.00 ≠0.37
> 10.00 ≠0.50
plane through the fitting point or
prism reference point;
b) indication of addition power, in
dioptres;
c) indication of the manufacturer, or
supplier, or trade name, or trade mark.
NOTE: The following optional non-
pernancent marking is recommended:
1) the alignment reference marking;
2) indication of the distance reference
point:
3) indication of the near reference point:
4) indication of the fitting point;
5) indication of the prism reference
point.
7 Test methods
7.1 General
The optical power should be date, name and
signature focimeter conforming to BS IS
8598 or using an equivalent method.
If a focusing focimeter is used to measure the
addition power of multifocal or progressive
power lenses, the more nearly vertical lines
of the target shall be focused when measuring
the near and distance vertex powers.

5.3 Geometrical and positioning tolerances

5.3.1 Multifocal lenses

For each lens, the tolerance

manufacturer’s permanent marketings,
relative to the spectable frame, shall not be
more than 0.5mm from the ordered position
in any direction.

6Permanent marking of progressive power

lenses
The lens shall be permanently marked with at
least the following:
a) the alignment reference markings
comprising two marks located 34 mm
apart, equidistant from a vertical
1 Scope
This part of BS 2738 specifies, with
reference to the prescription order (see note
2), tolerances for properties of mounted
spectacle lenses.

This standard is not applicable to the

transmission properties of tinted, coated or
otherwise treated lenses nor to the material
from which the lens is manufactured.
NOTE 1 Ophthalmic lens materials are specified in BS 3062
(to be replaced by ISO 8980-3) BS 7394-2 specifies
requirements for glazing and lens robustness:

Recommendations regarding other

characteristic of spectacle lenses that are
related to tolerances, but are subjective and
therefore cannot be specified, are given in
annex A.
NOTE 2 It is assumed that the prescription order
conforms to BS 2738-3.

2 Normative references
The following normative document contain
provisions which, through reference in this
text, constitute provisions of this part of this
British
Standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. For undated
references, the latest edition of the
publication refered to applies.
BS 27388-3 Spectacle lenses-Part
3:Specification for the presentation of
prescriptions and prescription orders for
ophthalmic lenses.
BS 7017, Specification for reference
wavelengths for optics and optical
instruments.
Where the manufacture has applied
corrections to compensate for the as-wom
position, then the tolerances shall apply to the
corrected value. This corrected value shall
be stated by the manufacturer on the package
or in an accompanying document.
For progressive power lenses, the measured
addition power can be influenced by the
prescription, and in particular cases, e.g.
oblique cylinders or high minus powers, the
deviation of the measured addition power can
exceed the above-mentioned tolerance; in
these cases the manufacturer shall submit
corrected values on request.

BS EN ISO 8980-1 (BS 2738-6), Ophthalmic

optics.

Uncut finished spectacle lenses-Part 1:

Specifications for single-vision and
multifocal lenses.

BS EN ISO 8980-2 (BS 2738-7), Ophthalmic

optics….Uncut finished
3 Definitions Spectacle lenses-Part 2:
For the purpose of this part of BS 2738, the Specifications for single-vision and
definitions given in ISO 13666 apply. Multifocal lenses.
4 Classification
Lenses are classified as follows: BS EN ISO 14889 (BS 2738-8) Spectacle
a) single-vision finished lenses; Lenses-foundational requestment for uncut
b) multifocal finished lenses; finished lenses.
c) progressive power finished lenses.
BS ISO 8598, Optics and optical instruments-
5 Requirements Focimeters.

5.1 Temperature ISO 13666. Ophthalmic optics -

The tolerances shall apply at a temperature of Spectacle lenses Vocabulary:
(23≠5) oC.

5.2 Optical requirements

5.2.1 General
Before glazing, lenses shall conform to either
BS EN ISO 8980-1 (BS 2738-6) or BS EN
ISO 8980-2 (BS 2738-7) and to BS EN ISO
14889 (BS 2738-8).

The optical telorances shall apply at the

reference points of the lens at one of the
reference wavelengths specified in BS 7017.
 Group b. Drop-end sides
No. Term
5.2.2 Tolerance on the back vetex power of 26 421 overall length of side
single-vision lenses and on the distance
portain of multipocal and progressive power 26 422 length to bend (TB)
lenses.
26 423 front to bend (FTB)

5.2.2.1 Tolerances on the back vertex power 26 424 length of drop

of lenses
26 425 downward angle of drop

Lenses shall conform to the tolerances on the 26 426 inward angle of drop
power of each meridian, A, and to the
tolerances on the cylindrical power, B, given
in Table 1 or Table 2, at applicable.
 Overall length from the dowel point to the
Group c. Curl sides extreme end.
26 431 total length
Distance from the dowel point to that tangent
26 432 length to tangent to the inner surface of the curl at rest which is
perpendicular to the line of the side. (See
Group d. Straight sides figure 12).
26 441 length
Distance from the dowel point to the extreme
end, the side being flattened.

No. Term
26405 dowel point
Definition
Distance between the dowel point and the tip.
(See figure 13, dimension L.) 26 406 line of the side

5.2.2 Tolerances on the back vertex power of

single-vision lenses and on the distance 26 407 angle of the side
portion of multifocal and progressive power
lenses

Definition
Distance between the dowel point and the ear
point. (See figure 13, dimension 1.)

Distance between the lug point and the ear

point.
26 408 let-back of side
Distance from the ear point to the extreme angle of let-back
end of the side. (See figure 13, dimension g.)

Downward inclination of the drop from he

line of side, measured near the ear point and 26 409 frame temple width (TW)
in the vertical plane containing the line of the
side. (See figure 13, angle F)

Inward inclination of the drop near the ear 26 4010 frame head width
point from the vertical plane containing the
line of the side. (See figure 16).

26 411 lug point

 26 401 joint height
Definition
Centre of the bottom of the dowel hole. (See
figures 11 to 13 point Q.)
26 402 joint size
Straight line through the dowel point and the
ear point. (See figures 11 to 13, line SS).
NOTE. In the case of short straight sies, the 26 403 joint angle
line of the side is taken to be the lower edge
of the side.

Vertical angle between a normal to the plane 26 404 ear point

of the front and the line of the side when
opened. (See figure 11, angle C).
NOTE. Unless otherwise stated, the angle of
the side is downwards from the normal to the
back plane of the front at the dowel point.

Horizontal angle between the inner surface of

the fully opened side, adjacent to the joint,
and a normal to the back plane of the front.
(See figure 14, angle D).

Distance between the sides at the ear points.

(See figure 14, dimensions w).

Point on the back surface of the lug where I t

begins its backward sweep, approximately
level with the dowel point. (See figure 15,
point L).

NOTE. Application only to swept-back lugs.

 No. Term
26 305 frontal angle of pad
Distance from the centre line to horizontal
plane through the centre of the joint.

Overall axial length of the chaniers. 26 306 splay angle of pad

Vertical angle, inherent in the construction of

a joint, which contributes to the angle of the
side. Group b. Pads mounted on arms

(1) Of a drop-side 26 321 height of pad centre

The midpoint of the are of contract between
the bend of the side and the circle which fits
it. (See figure 11, point E.) 26 322 distance between pad
(2) Of a curl side. Centres (DBP)
The point on the lower edge of the side at the
beginning of the curl. (See figure 12, point
E). 26 323 inset of pad centre
(3) Of a straight side.
The point on the lower edge of the side which
is assumed to make contact with the top of Group c. Pads attached directly to rims
the ear. 26 331 height of pad top

26 332 distance between pad tops

26 333 width of pad

6.4 Joints and sides

Group a. General
 No. Term
Definition 26 202 apical radius (AR)
Angle between the vertical and the line of
intersection of the pad plane with the back
plane of the front. (See figure 10, angle A).

Angle between the pad plane and a normal to

the back plane of the front. (See figure 10,
angle B).

Vertical distance from the centre line to the

pad centre

Horizontal distance between the two pad

centres 6.3 Pad bridges
Group a. General
26 301 distance between rims
Horizontal distance from the back plane of (DBR)
the front to the pad centre.

Vertical distance from the centre line to the

hugest point of the pad.

Horizontal distance between the tops of the 26 302 pad centre

pads in the back plane of the front.

Maximum width of the pad surface,

measured from the back of the rim.

26 303 pad plane

26 304 vertical angle of pad

 NOTE 2. Unless otherwise specified, this
angle will be regarded as bringing the top of
the pad relatively backwards, as in figure 9.

6.2 Regular bridges

No. Term
Definition 26 201 distance between rims
Radius of the are forming the lower edge of (DBR)
the bridge viewed perpendicularly to the back
plane of the front. (See figure 8.)

(2) Of a pad bridge

Horizontal distance between the nasal
surfaces of the rims, measured either along
the centre line or, if elsewhere, at a stated
level above or below the centre line.
NOTE. Sce 26 201 for the analogous
definition applicable to regular bridges.

(1) Of fixed pads.

The point on the bearing surface equidistant
from its top and bottom and front and back,
edges.
(2) Of rocking pads.
The point on the bearing surface opposite the
point of attachment of the pad.

Plane approximating to the bearing surface of

the pad.

Angle between the back plane of the from

and the long axis of the pad projected on a
vertical plane at right angles to the back
plane of the front.
NOTE 1. This is the apparent angle between
the long axis of the pad and the back plane
of the front, viewed horizontally along this
plane. (See figure 9.)
 No. Term
26 114 back plane of the front
Definition
(1) Of a regular bridge
Horizontal distance between the nasal
surfaces of the rims, measured at a stated
level below the midpoint of the lower edge of
the bridge.
NOTE 1. This dimension is normally
expressed in millimeters and should always
be expressed as in the example: ‘DBR 19 at
10 below crest’. (See figure 7).
NOTE 2. See 26 301 for the analogous
definition applicable to pad bridges.
26 115 frontal width (FW)

26 116 projection (or inset) of

Bridge

26 117 angle of crest

26 118 vertical symmetry axis

Definition NOTE. Sec also 22 101
Surface of the frame of or mount nearer to No. Term
the eyes that coincides with the back surface 26 101 boxed lens system
of the rims of rims or, in rimless mounts
having a separate bridge, with the back plane
of the clamps or straps.
NOTE. When the rims do not lie
substantially in one plane and, in the case of
rimless browbar and similar mounts, the back
plane of the front is the plane containing
symmetrical small parts of both rims or both
browbars immediately adjacent to the bridge.
26 102 centre line
Horizontal distance between the dowel
points. (See 26 406).

Minimum horizontal distance from the back

plane of front to the centre of the back of the
bridge. (See figures 4 and 5). 26 103 boxed centre
Geometric centre

Of a regular bridge.
The angle in a vertical plane between a line
tangential to the bearing surface at its centre
and the back plane of the frame. (See figure
6). 26 104 centre line

Central line passing vertically through the

crest of the bridge. (See figure 2).

26 105 boxed lens size

26 106 horizontal lens size

26 107 vertical lens size

Section 6. Dimensions and

measurements
6.1 Terms applicable to fronts
Definition (DBL)
System, based on the rectangle
formed by the horizontal and
vertical lines tangential to the
extremes of each lens, by which the
dimensions of a frame and the
location of the lenses in the frame
may be measured. (See figure 1).
NOTE. The boxed system has now
superseded the datum system. 26 109 distance between
centres

(1) Of frame.
Horizontal line draw through the
geometric centres of the 26 110 bridge width
rectangular boxes that just
encompass/enclose the two lenses.
(See figure 2.)

Intersection of the horizontal and 26 111 bridge width line

vertical centre lines of the box
which circumscribes the lens and
which is generally represented by a
rectangle. (See figure 1.) 26 122 bridge height

(2) Of lens.
Line mid-way between, and parallel
to the horizontal tangents to the
lens shape at its highest and lowest 26 113 crest height
and lowest points. (See figure 1.)
NOTE. Sec 26 102 for the analogous
definition applicable to a frame.

Dimensions of the rectangle formed

by the horizontal and vertical
tangents to the lens shape. (See
figure 1.)

Distance between the vertical sides

of the rectangle which circumscribe
the lens.

Distance between the horizontal

sides of the rectangle which
circumscribe the lens.

26 108 distance between

lenses
Distance between the nearest
points of the apices of the two No. Term
lenses. (See dimension of d in figure 25 001 butt weld
2.)
NOTE. This is also the horizontal
distance between the adjacent
vertical sides of the rectangles 25 002 knocked-on weld
which circumscribe the two lenses.

Distance between the geometric

centres of the two lenses. (See 25 003 spliced weld
dimension c in figure 2.)

Minimum distance between the pad 25 004 butt solder

surface of the frame measured
along the bridge width line. (See
dimension e in figure 2.) 25 005 knocked-on solder

Line parallel to and 5mm below the

horizontal centre line. (See A in 25 006 spliced solder
figure 2.)

Vertical distance from the bridge

width line to the intersection point
of the vertical symmetry axis with
the lower edge of the bridge. (See
dimension f in figure 2.)

Vertical distance from the centre

line of the frame to the midpoint of
the lower edge of the bridge. (See
figure 3.)

Section 5. Types of welded or

soldered attachments
 Definition
Welded union in which one part has
been bent to overlap the other. No. Term
23 001 round

Welded union in which one part has 23 002 oval

been bent to overlap other.
23 003 pilot
aviator
Welded union in which one part has deprecated
been gradually reduced in thickness
to blend into the other.
23 004 quadra
Soldered union of parts without
overlapping

Soldered union in which one part 23 005 upswept

has been bent to overlap the other.

Soldered union in which one part

has been gradually reduced in 23 006 half-eye
thickness to blend into the other.
Section 4. Processes
24 001 angling

24 002 bumping

24 003 cresting

24 004 pinning

24 005 recessing

24 006 setting up

24 007 splicing

24 008 moulding

Section 3. Shapes for lenses and apertures in frames

NOTE. The terms listed in section 3 are either capable of a geometrical definition or are
accepted generic name for well-known families of lens shapes. However, may lens
shapes are designated by trade names but these are not
Included here
Definition 24 011 wire shooting
Circular

Elliptical

A family of lens shapes, essentially

triangular, characterized by a nasal cut-away
and pronounced fullness in the lower
temporal quadrant.

A family of lens shapes, characterized by

four recognizable sides of shallow curvature
joined by arcs of shorter radius.

A lens shape in which the upper edge has a

marked upward slope towards the temple.

A lens shape for half-eye spectacles. (See BS

3521: Part 1.)

Adjusting the angle of side.

Forming the bridge projection of a plastics

frame by heat and pressure.

Shaping the arch of a plastics bridge to

provide an angle of crest.

Fitting of a joint to front or side of a frame

Forming a recess in a plastics part, generally

to allow the joint plate to lie flush with the
surface.

Adjusting a frame at the conclusion of

manufacture.

Joining together pieces of natural material by

application of heat, moisture and pressure

Manufacture of a frame from plastics

material by a thermoforming process.
Manufacture of a frame from plastics
material by a tehermo-setting process.
24 009 casting

Removal of the residual plastics material

from the access point(s) to the mounld or
240010 de-gating cast.

Insertion of the side wire into a plastics side.

 22 504 gallery

22 505 hood

22 506 threaded lug

2.6 Components and parts rimless

mounts
22 601 bridge piece

22 602 end piece

22 603 strapD

22 604 claw

22 605 browbarD
D
Sec. A.3.4.

2.5 Rims attachments

No. Term
22 501 eyewire Definition
Material in the form of rolled or drawn metal
strip from which rims are made.
22 502 closing block
Device which enables a metal rim to be
closed around the circumference of the lens.
55 503 Windsor rim
A channeled plastics covering for the metal
rim of Windsor
Spectacles. (Se 21 207)

A projecting wire or shelf attached to the rim,

designed to exert pressure against the skin.
NOTE. A gallery may be used:
(a) on a monocle both to help retain the
lens in position in the eye and to
increase the vertex distance or
(b) in a ptosis prop to hold the upper or
22 414 straight sideD
lower eyelied open.

A plastics covering to the upper part of the

metal rim of a combination frame, to which 22 415 spatula side
the joint may be attached to enable the major
components to be screwed together.

A lug which is attached to the metal browbar 22 416 sinuous side

or rim of a combination frame and which is
threaded to enable the major components to
be screwed together.

22 417 loop-end side

The central component of a three-part rimless
mount, comprising the bridge, pads (if any)
and lens-holding device.
22 418 reinforeced side
One of the outer components of a three-piece
rimless mount, comprising the joint and lens-
holding device.

A lens-holding device in which the lens is

secured by means of a screw or a rivet.
Group b. Parts of sides
The part of strap extending above or below 11 431 tipD
the stirrup and lying along the of the lens.
22 432 buttD
A bar of a browbar mount. (See 21 205.)

2.4 Sides
Group a. Types of sides Definition
No. Term A side, end of which is usually
22 411 curl sideD flexible and is designed to lie along
the greater part of the groove
behind the ear.

22 412 half-covered curl sideD A metal curl side, the butt of which
is made with a plastics covering.

22 413 drop-end sideD

A side which is essentially straight
from dowel screw to bend and of
which is designed to lie only in the 22 437 endcoverD
upper part of the groove behind the
ear.
NOTE. Various types of drop-end 22 438 coreD
sides are designated by the
descriptive terms: club-end, hockey-
22 439 side wire
end, etc. Core
deprecated
DSce A.3.5.1
A side without a curl or drop,
extending beyond, or at least to,
the ear.

A straight side but with its tip

modified to give improved grip.

A drop-end in which the centre line

describes one or more curves from
the dowel screw to the bend.

A side terminating in a loop which is

designed to take a tape or elastic
ribbon.

A plastics side or a side with a

plastics butt having a metal insert
along the greater part of the side or
whole of the butt.

The end of the side furthest from the front.

The part of a side nearest to the joint and

having a different from the remainder of the
side.

A metal collar sometimes fitted at

22 433 collect D
the bind end of the butt.

The flexible end of a curl side.

22 434 curl
The bent-down end of a drop-end
22 435 dropD side

22 436 ball tipD A small piece of metal in the shape

of a ball, fixed to end of a curl side.
A plastic covering for the end of a
metal side.
22 309 pinned joint
The wire on which the curls is
wound. (See 22 439).
22 310
The metal insert of a re-enforced side.

22 311 biliards joint

22 312 sprung jointD

Group b. Parts of joins

22 321 charnierD

22 322 joint plates

22 323 dowel pin

Pivot pin

22 324 dowel screwD

Pivot screw

22 325 closing block screwD

22 326 rivetD

22 327 rivet plateD

Definition
No. Term Joint in which @ but the charnier
22 306 concealed jointD and pivot have been concealed
within the material of the front and
side.

22 307 tenon jointD Joint formed by slotting either the

front or side to receive a charnier
formed at the end of the other
component.
22 308 closing block joinD
Joint which also enables a metal rim
to be closed (drawn together) and 22 330 threaded barredD
which is formed of two charniers
(one threaded) and a screw (se 22
325 and 22 330).

Joint which is attached to the front

or side by means of rivets.

Joint with anchoring devices

embedded in the material of front
and/side.

Joint enabling the wearer to adjust

the angle of the side.

Joint having a spring mechanism

designed to exert lateral pressure
on the side of the head of the
spectacle wearer.

Tube or ring, forming part of a joint,

which receives the screw or dowel
pin.

The parts of a hinge joint that

provide the means of fixing it to the
front and the side

A pivot in the from of a pin, secured

in the joint by riveting

A pivot that is partly threaded so

that it can be screwed into the joint.

A screw used to close the two parts

of closing block or a closing block
joint.

A stud that is used to attach a joint

plate to the front or side.

A unit comprising two or more rivets,

connected solidly together.

A nut fitted for the sole purpose of

22 328 lock nutD preventing unintentional loosening
of the retaining screw or dowel.

The plate which acts as a mounting

22 329 sprung joint based for the mechanism of a sprung joint
and by which the joint is attached to
the side.
 bridges
One of the charniers of a closing
block joint which is threaded to 22 221 arch
receive the closing block screw.

22 222 crest

Group c. Parts of pad bridges

22 231 rigid pad

22 232 rocking pad

22 233 pad armD

22 234 pad insert

22 235 pad studD

22 236 twinned padD

22 237 insert bridge

2.3 Joints
Group a. Types of joints
22 301 high joint

22 302 low joint

22 303 central joint

22 304 surface joint2

Definition
Abridge having two specific and limited
No. Term nasal bearing areas.
22 215 pad bridge
A bridge, with pads, shaped lie the outline of
the upper part of a keyhole
22 216 keyhole bridge

Group b. types and parts of non-pad

The main curve of a bridge forming the
bearing surface.

The central portion of the arch

A pad formed on, or rigidly attached to the

bridge

A pad attached by a form of hinge or toggle,

allowing some self-adjustment.

An extension, either integral with the bridge

or as a separate attachment, to which a pad is
fitted.

A piece of metal that is placed inside a

plastics pad during its manufacturer to give
the pad rigidity in use.

A protrusion from the pad, usually part of the

pad insert, used to fasten the pad to the arm.

A pair of rocking pads joined together to

form a type of saddle bridge.

A plastics bridge fitted to supplement the

bridge of an otherwise metal frame.

Joint positioned substantially above the

centre line.

Joint positioned substantially below the

centre line.

Joint positioned on or near the centre line.

Joint comprising plates, a charnier and a

pivot mounted on the inside surfaces of front
and sides by means of which the side hinges Joint comprising a charnier and a pivot
on the front. mounted on plates which have been inset into
22 305 recessed jointD the inside surfaces of front and sides.

D
See A.3.4
2
See A.3.5.2
 22 104 rim

22 105 pad

22 106 joint

22 107 lug

22 108 swept-back lug

22 109 side

22 110 groove

2.2 Bridges
Types of plastic bridges
NOTE A. 3.1
22 211 saddle bridge

Section 2. Nomenclature of parts

2.1 General terms Definition
NOTE. Sec A.3.1 and A. 3. 2. 22 101 The part of the frame or mount comprising
No. Term the bridge, rims (if any), joints and/ or lugs.
22 101 front
That part of the front which forms the main
connection between the lenses or rims.
22 102 bridge NOTE. The bridge assembly is generally
taken to include the pads, if any.

A strengthening bar joining the rims

additional to the main bridge.
22 103 brace bar
That part of the frame or mount which partly
or completely surrounds the lens.

An extension of, or attachment to, the bridge

or the rim to bear on the nose.

The hinge linking the side and the front. (See

also 3.2)

An extension at each end of the

front to which the joint or side is
attached.
NOTE. Various types of luges are
designated by the terms: mitred lug
overhang lug, radiused lug, swept-
back lug, wrap-round lug etc.
A.3.5.3 where these are illustrated.
(See also 22 505)

Swept-back extension of the front to which

the side is attached. (See 26 411).

An extension of, or attachment to, the front

passing towards or over the ear.

Channel in the rim or eyewire intended to

retain the lens.

A bridge so shaped as to rest on the

nose over a continuous area, but in
which the ends of the bearing NOTE. This term encompasses
surface extend to lie behind the regular bridge, flush bridge and
back plane of the front. inset bridge

A bridge without pads designed to

rest on the nose over a continuous
22 212 regular bridge
area.

A regular bridge with zero projection. (See

22 213 flush bridge 26 116)

A regular bridge so shaped that its bearing

22 214 inset bridge surface is wholly behind the back plane of
the front.
 Definition
1.3 Miscellaneous Single lens, with or without or without a
No. Term frame or mount, designed to be held between
21 301 monocle the brow and the cheek.

Attachment holding an auxiliary lens or

lenses in front of spectacles by spring action
21 302 clip-on or by means of hooks.
Grab front
Eyeglasses for occasional use, held before the
eyes by a handle into which the lenses may
21 303 lorgnette fold when not requuied.s
 21 105 metal frameD

1.2Styles of spectacles
NOTE. Sec also 14.2 of BS 3521: Part 1:
1991
21 201 combination spectales

21 202 folding spectacles

21 203 library spectacles

21 204 rimless spectacles

21 205 browbar spectacles

Section 1. General terms and styles

1.1General terms
No Term
21 101 spectacles
Definition
Optical appliance comprising lenses and a
frame or mount with sides extending towards
or over the ears.
21 102 frame
Spectacles or eyeglasses, considered without
the lenses, having rims which will
substantially or completely surround to
lenses.
21 103 mount
(1) Specitacles or eyeglasses, a considered
without the lenses, having no rims or with
rim which do not substantially surround the
lenses.
NOTE. The method of holding the lenses is
usually by holes or slots in the lenses or by
grooves in their periphery.
(2) Mechanical structure that supports the
lenses in magnifiers and other near-vision
aids.
21 104 plastics frameD
Frame of which the essential parts of the
front are made of a plastics material or of a a
natural material of similar properties

Frame of which the essential parts of the

front are made of metal.

Spectacles in which the principal parts of the

front of the frame or mount are made of two
distinct materials, for example metal and
plastic

Spectacles hinged at the bridge, and possibly

in the sides, so as to fold or natural material
with similar properties.

Spectacles of heavy weight with broad sides

and usually of plastics or natural material
with similar properties.

Spectacles without rims, the lenses being

held in position by screws, keys clamps or
similar devices.

Rimless spectacles in which the bridge and

joints are connected by bars substantially
following the tops of the lenses.

Spectacles in which the lenses are held in

position by thin bands or cords attached to
21 206 Supra spectacles the rims.

Spectacles having a metal frame and a thin

channeled plastics rim covering the eyewire.
22 207 Windsor spectacles

D
As defined in ISO 7998 (See appendix A)
Section 19. Miscellaneous terms Definition
Multiple internal reflections of the edge of a
No. Term lens, particularly noticeable in lenses of high
19 001 power rings minus powers.

Faint images seen by the wearer, formed by

reflection at the surface(s) of a lens.
19 002 ghost images
 18 007 neutralisation

188 008 focimeter

18 009 polariscope

18 010 shadowscope

Definition
Section 18. Verification An apparent transverse movement of an
No. Term object seen through a lens in a direction
18 001 against movement opposite to that in which the lens is moved;
an indication of plus power.

An apparent transverse movement of an

object seen through a lens in the same
18 002 with movement direction as that in which the lens is moved,
an indication of minus power unless the
object appears to be inverted.

A method of estimating focal power by the

observation of against movement or with
18 003 transverse test movement.
Lateral test
Deprecated
A means of recognizing an astigmatic lens of
locating its principal meridians by rotating
18 004 rotation test the lens about the line of sight while viewing
a cross line chart. (See also 10 005).

An apparent change in the angle between two

lines when the rotation test is applied to an
18 005 scissors movement astigmatic lens.

A means of locating the axis of a cylindrical

surface by rotating the lens until the reflected
18 006 reflection test image of a test object is seen at its clearest.

A technique of determining the power of a

lens or prim by placing lenses or prisms of
opposite sign in contact with it until the
transverse test shows no movement.

An optical instrument for determining the

vertex power, axis direction, and centration
of ophthalmic lenses.

(1) An instrument used to reveal by means of

crossed polarizes the presence of stress in a
lens. (See 17 101).
(2) An instrument used to check the plane of
polarization of a polarizing lens.

An arrangement of a very small intense

source of light and a screen upon which
defects of figure or in the material of a lens
under test are shown in the form of shadows.
18 011 Newton’s rings
An interference pattern depended upon
differences in the light path between two
surfaces.

A polished plate or lens having a surface of

good figure and high accuracy for testing the
18 012 test plate uniformity of a lens surface of opposite
curvature by the observation of Newton’s
rings.

A metal template of known radius of

curvature used for checking a lens surface or
18 013 surfacing gauge surfacing tool of opposite curvature.

A device for measuring surface radii which

consists of a sensor which measures the sag
18 014 lens measure of a surface across a fixed chord.
Geneva lens measure NOTE. The information is usually displayed
on a dial or digital indicator.
 17 223 haze

17 224 dig

Definition from BS 2092

A small elevation, especially at the centre of
No Term a solid bifocal segment.
17 211 pip
A mark on the surface caused by over-
heating during polishing
17 212 polishing burn
Concentric waves (See 17 220) on a spherical
surface.
17 213 rings
A defect of figure (see 17 218) at the edge of
a lens due to excessive pressure and generally
11 214 rounding occurring only with cloth polishers.

An elongated mark characterized by local

fracture and loss f material.
17 215 scratch
A fine elongated mark with smooth
boundaries on a polished surface.
17 216 sleek
A circular channel touching the dividing line
at one point, peculiar to solid bifocals.
17 217 stop mark
Geometrical regularity of a surface as distinct
from dimensional precision.
17 218 surface figure NOTE. For example, a spherical surface
figure would be described as of good figure if it
were accurately spherical, even though of
incorrect radius.

A channel surrounding the dividing line of a

solid bifocal, caused by incorrect setting of
17 219 touch the polishing tool for the reading portion.

A surface undulation, either isolated or

multiple.
17 220 wave
A small fracture penetrating below the
surface, generally of lees than Imm in length.
17 221 checkD
A check generally of more that Imm in
length.
17 222 fledD
Fine inclusions in a surface coating. 17 210 orange peel

Small defect in a polished surface due either

to an inclusion breaking the surface or to
abuse damage.
D
Definition from BS 2092.

Definition
A small gaseous inclusion generally less than
No. Term 0.25 mm in size (see 17 106).
17 116 seedD
An opaque solid inclusion in glass lenses
resulting from unmelted raw material or
17 117 stoneD fragments of refractory material.

A stone in which the solid inclusion has

partially dissolved but has left a transparent
17 118 knotD sac.

Non-homogeneous region of plastics

material, usually caused by undissolved
17 119 gel polymer.

As applied to solid bifocals, a small surface

17.2 Surface defects ripple near to and concentric with the
17 201 aberration dividing line. (Sompare 08 002).

A scratch or abrasion due to careless

handing.
17 202 abuse mark
A series of small surface faults, usually
caused by tool vibration.
17 203 chatter marks
A form of waviness, associated with the
misuse of cloth polishers.
17 204 cloth marks
A small depression, especially at the centre
of a solid bifocal segment.
17 205 crater
A small annular ridge on the segment surface
of a solid bifocal, close to the dividing line.
17 206 curl up
A localized wave starting from a chip or edge
irregularity.
17 207 drag mark
An appearance due to incomplete polishing.

17 208 greyness A pit in a lens surface, caused by breaking

into a bubble in the material or by a roughing
17 209 hole mark not removed in smoothing.
A form of waviness, so named because of its
appearance, generally extending over the 17 113 vein
entire surface.

Section 17. Defectd Definition

17.1 Defects of materials The presence of forces within the material
No. Term (i.e. tension, compression or shear).
17 101 stress
Stress remaining after all external forces have
been removed.
17 102 residual stress
(1) A deformation resulting from stress.
(2) A condition of the material associated
17 103 strain with stress or residual stress in which
birefringence is detectable with a
polariscope.

The presence of objectionable residual stress

in glass as a result of imperfectly controlled
17 104 bad annealing cooling.

A non-glassy particle within a lens.

17 105 inclusionD A gaseous inclusion, generally over 0.25mm

in side.
17 106 bubble
Any unintended coloration.

17 107 colour A surface defect presenting the appearance of

criss-cross lines, caused in glass by chilling
17 108 crazing or in plastics by solvent action or inherent
defect of the material.

A cluster of fine bubbles or particles

commonly arising from foreign material or
17 109 feathers from a fold in the glass when in a molten or
plastic state.

A shallow crack in or near the surface,

associated with heating.
17 110 firecrack
A surface appearance due to physical or
chemical changes in the surface layers of a
17 111 tarnish lens as a result of atmospheric or chemical
attack.

An attenuated inclusion possessing optical

properties differing from those of the
surrounding material.
17 112 cord
(1) An appearance of generahy parallel
streaks due to discontinuity of refractive
index.
(2) Find cord.
A very fine cord or vien, caused by internal
imperfections in the material giving a wavy
17 114 stria distortion in transmitted light.

A straight line that can occur in drawn sheet

glass.
17 115 draw lineD

D
Definition from BS 2092
 Definition
16.2 Glazing processes and terms The making of a lens to cutting or edging to
No. Term denote the correct position of the optical
16 201 laying off centre, cylinder axis and prism with respect
to the frame or mount.

Scoring the outline of the required lens shpe

on one surface of a lens and breaking away
16 202 cutting the waste.

Roughly trimming the edge of a lens to size

and shape by crumbling the edge with special
16 203 shanking pliers.

Grinding or milling the edge of a lens to the

finished shape and side required and, at the
16 204 edging sametim imparting the desired edge form,
e.g. flat or beveled.

A very fine chamfer to remove a sharp corner

or edge, especially at the peak of a bevel or at
16 205 safety chamfer any sharp junction.

The form of edge designed to fit into the

groove of a rim, each surface being
16 206 bevel edge chamfered to produce a continuous V-section
V-edge or similar shape.

The form of edge generally employed for

rimless mounting.
16 207 flat edge
A form of flat edge with a series of transverse
flutings, generally restricted to rimless
16 208 milled edge monocles

A decorative edge formed by a series of

facets.

16 209 faceted edge (1) A cosmetic decorative edging detail.

(2) An unintentional irregularity of an edge
16 210 facet or chamfer.

A shallow surface chip close to the lens edge.

16 211 flake
Very small chips at the lens edge.

16 212 sparks The presence of a series of sparks round the

periphery of a lens.
16 213 starring
A hard deposit that may occur when water is
allowed to dry on the lens.
16 214 water rain 16 215 glazing
 Inserting an edged lens into a frame or
mount.
16 216 fitting NOTE. Particularly for rimless mounts, this
process may include drilling slotting, strap
adjustment, etc.

The insertion of a bevel-edged lens into a

plastics rim.
16 217 springing in
Fitting a lens into a supra mount by
stretching a supporting cord around the edge
16 218 Supra fitting of the lens against the browbar.

Section 16. Manufacturing processes

16.1 Manufacture of lenses
Strictly, the fitting of lenses to a frame or No. Term
mount, but often used to include the cutting 16 101 surfacing
and edging processes.
 The marking of a lens blank for control of
centration, axis direction, segment setting,
16 102 lens marking etc.

The mounting of one or more blanks on a

holder in preparation for surfacing.
16 103 blocking
Similar to blocking, but usually restricted to a
single lens.
16 104 sticking
The process of removing material by means
of abrasion.
16 105 grinding
The preparation of curved surface whose
form depends upon the predetermined
16 106 generating relation between the motions of the material
and the cutting or abrading tool.

Grinding to the approximate form and

thickness with a coarse abrasive.
16 107 roughing
The roughing by hand of a cylindrical or
toroidal surface, using a spherical tool.
16 108 rolling
rocking A stage of grinding in which the surface is
brought close to the desired curvature.

16 109 truing A late stage of grinding prior to polishing.

16 110 smoothing The final stage in the surfacing process,

resulting in specular instead of diffuse
16 111 polishing reflection and regular instead of random
transmission.

(1) Originally a small area of a surface left

unworked in one surfacing operation as a
16 112 witness guide in the subsequent operation.
(2) Surface area unintentionally left
unworked.

The releasing of lenses from the bonding

agent by tapping the holder.
16 113 de-blocking
Knocking off
Deprecated

16 114 freezing off

Definition 16 115 casting

(1) Method of producing a finished lens (see
03 415) by successive, essentially abrasive,
processes.
(2) The performance of any one of such 16 116 moulding
process.
 Process of manufacturing a lens by using an
adhesive to join two or more components.
16 117 bonding

No. Term
Chilling a worked block or holder to facilitate 14 210 reversible spectacles
removal of the lenses.

Process of manufacturing a plastics lens by 14 211 special purpose spectacles

polymerizing liquid monomer between glass
moulds.

Process of manufacturing a thermoplastics

lens by shaping the material under heat and 14 212 billiards spectacle
pressure.

14 213 orthopaedic spectacles

 A lens giving the effect of two plano prisms
Section 15. Trial case accessories base to base and meeting on a diameter,
15 001 bi-prism which is used to produce mobocular diplopia.
(Compare 10 253 and 14 101).

A disc placed in the trial frame to facilitate

adjustment for correct centration.
15 002 centring disc
A pano filter of cobalt glass whose principal
transmittance in the visible spectrum is a
15 003 cobalt blue filter main blue-green band and a small red band.

An astigmatic lens whose principal powers

are equal but of opposite sign. (Compare 07
15 004 cross cylinder 014).
NOTE. It is recommended that the marked
power should be the numerical power of each
meridian.

A rod or series of parallel rods of small

diameter, usually coloured, through which a
15 005 Maddox rod bright spot appears as a streak.
Maddox cylinder
A variant of the Maddox rod employing
concave instead of convex elements.
15 006 Maddox groove
Maddox cylinder An opaque disc with a small circular central
aperture.
15 007 pinhole disc
A device consisting of two equal contra-
rotation prisms producing a resultant variable
15 008 rotary prism power in a given direction.
Risley prism
An opaque disc with tow adjacent pinhole
apertures.
15 009 Scheiner disk
An opaque disc with a long narrow aperture.
Section 14. Miscellaneous lenses and
15 010 stenopaeic slit spectacles
Definition 14.1 Miscellaneous lenses
Spectacles which are designed to be worn No. Term
with either lens before either eye. 14 101 bi-centric lens

Spectacles often of special shape and with

lenses decentred or tiled to give suitable
centration for use in archery, billiards,
shooting, etc, and for special occupations.
14 102 aphakia lens
Spectacles incorporating joints which enable Cateract lens
the wearer to adjust the angel of side. deprecated

Spectacles fitted attachment designed to 14 103 occluder

relieve certain non-optical conditions, e.g.
entropies and ptosis
 A lens with an irregular surface used to
14 104 Chavasse lens depress the visual acuity while permitting the
eye to be seen from the front.

A lens with one or both surface unpolished,

14 105 frosted lens intended as a form of occlude. (see 14 103).

A lens or lens system incorporating a

prescribed magnification for the correction or
14 106 iseikonic lens aniseikonia.
Size lens

14.2 Miscellaneous spectacles Spectacles with lenses designed to minimize

14 201 anisometropia spectacles or abolish differences of prismatic effect or
magnification in cases of anisomatropia.

Spectacles incorporating a device for rotating

14 202 cyclophoria epectacles one or both fields of view.

Spectacles incorporating a device for laterally

14 203 hemianopia spectacles displacing one or both fileds of verw.

Spectacles primarily intended to enable a

14 204 recumbent spectacles recumbent person to read in comfort by
displacing the field of view.

Spectacles so designed that either the upper

14 205 half-eye spectacles or the lower part of the field of view is
outside the periphery of the lenses.

Spectacles fitted with an opaque disc with a

14 206 pinhole spectacle small aperture of the order of 1mm to 2mm
before one or both eyes.

14 207 lochbrille

Definition 14 208 multiple pinhole spectacles

A lens of uniform focal power but with Capillary spectacles
independent optical centration for distance deprecated
and near vision and effected by cementing or
working a prism over about one half of the 14 209 stenopaeic spectacles
lens. (Compare the bifocal form 10 252).

A lens prescribed for the correction of

aphakia (i. e. absence of the crystalline lens),
usually of plus power above 10D

A lens, disc, or device that is intended to

prevent an eye from seeing either in whole or
in part.
 Section 13. Magnifying devices
No. Term
Pinhole spectacles or similar attachments, 13 001 magnification
often incorporating sidecups, for use in the
after-care of cases of retinal detachment.

Spectacles fitted with opaque discs having a

number of small aperture, for use in certain 13 002 magnifier
cases of low vusual acuity. Reading glass

Spectacles so masked as to permit vision only 13 003 binocular magnifier

through a slit.

13 004 spectacle magnifier

13 005 telescopic spectacle

13 006 loupe
 Section 12. Protective lenses
NOTE. Sec also BS 2092.
No. Term
Definition 12 001 protective lens
The ratio between any linear dimension of
the retinal image when the magnifying device
is in use and the corresponding dimension
when the object is viewed without the device.

A lens or lens system designed to produce an

enlarged retinal image. (see 03 107). 12 002 laminated lens

A pair of magnifiers designed to allow

binocular viewing of an object, one eye
viewing through each magnifier.

A mounted or held close to the eye and 12 003 toughened lens

designed for improving near vision in cases hardened lens
of low visual acuity. deprecated

A magnifying device, for monocular or 12 004 thermally toughened lens

binocular vision, which may be designed or
adapted for either distance or near vision and
which uses telescopic principles.

(1) A magnifier with x5 magnification or 12 005 chemically-strengthened

more. lens
(2) A low power binocular magnifier.
 A means of testing for robustness in which a
12 006 drop ball test specified ball is dropped upon the lens from a
stated height.
NOTE. This test should not be confused with
the ballistic test described in BS 2092.

No. Term
11 016 anti-reflection coating
bloomed coating
Definition deprecated
Lens giving a degree of protection against
injury from mechanical causes. 11 017 metallised lens
NOTE. For impact resistance there are two
main types of protective lenses: those
manufactured from polymers and those from
treated glass. (see also 3.5).
11 018 sputtered lens
A lens made from two or more layers of
material (glass or plastics) and bonded 11 019 surface-tinted lens
together to form the final product.
NOTE. Only some types of laminated lenses
confer safety properties.

A glass lens to which greater impact

resistance has been imparted, usually by 11 020 flashed glass
means of heat treatment.

A glass lens whose impact resistance has

been improved by heating the lens briefly to
a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly
thereby forming a compressive surface layer. 11 021 polarising lens

A glass lens whose impact resistance has

been improved by immersing the lens in a
bath of molten salts which, by means of ion 11 022 photochromic lens
exchange, creates a compressive surface
layer.
 A coating, applied to a lens, which is
designed to increase the abrasion resistance
11 023 abrasion resistant coating of the surface.
Hard coating
A lens coated with a substance to reduce
water condensation.
11 024 anti-mist lens
A lens coated with a substance to reduce
build up of static electricity
11 025 anti-static lens
A lens in which the tint is incorporated
throughout.
11 026 solid tinted lens
A plastics lens with a surface tint obtained by
dipping into a dye.
11 027 dyed lens
An indication of the transmittance of a filter
(see 11 009) and defined by the equation
11 028 shade number (۷) N = 1 + 7/3 log10 1/
Section 11. Tinted and coated lenses NOTE.
See also BS 2724
Definition No. Term
A coating on the surface of a lens intended to 11 001 radiant flux
reduce reflection.

11 002 luminous flux

A lens upon which a metallic film has been
formed by methods including chemical
deposition, evaporation in vacuum and
cathodic sputtering.

A form of metallised lens. (See also 11 017)

A lens incorporating a surface layer in order 11 003 absorption

to obtain an equitant effect.
NOTE. This tinting may be achieving either
by means of an evaporated coating or by a
dyeing process. 11 004 transmission

Glass of one kind to which a thin layer of

glass of another kind has been fused.
NOTE. This is usually a white glass upon 11 005 transmittance
which a tin layer of coloured glass has been Spectral transmission factor
poured when molten.

A lens showing differential absorption 11 006 transmission curve

according to the plane of polarization of the
incident light.
11 007 Iuminous transmittance
A lens made all or partially from material
which reversibly changes its transmission
characteristics depending on the intensity of 11 008 optical density
radiation.
NOTE. The transmission properties are
usually affected by changes in temperature. 11 009 filter
 they do or do not alter the spectral
distribution of the light passing through them.

Spectacles or attachments to spectacles,

incorporating a filter for attenuating natural
11 010 sun-glasses solar radiation. (See BS 2724.)

Absorbing ultraviolet radiation to a markedly

greater extent than does white spectacle
glass.
11 012 equi-tint
Of an even coloration notwithstanding
thickness variations in different parts of the
11 013 graduated tint lens.
varitint 11 014 coated lens

Definition 11 015 evaporated coating

Power emitted, transferred or received in the
form of radiation.

That quantity characteristic of radiant flux

which expresses its capacity to produce
visual sensation, evaluated according to the
figures of relative luminous efficiency for the
light-adapted eye adopted by the Commission
international de 1’ Eclairage (CIE).

Reduction of radiant flux during its passage

through a medium, not including loss by
reflection.

Passage through a medium of radiant flux

without change of frequency of its
monochromatic components.

For a specified wavelength, the ratio of the

radiant flux transmitted by a lens to the
incident radiant flux.

A graph in which the transmittance is plotted

against wavelength.

The ratio of the luminous flux transmitted by

a lens to that which it receives.

The logarithm to base 10 of the reciprocal of

the appropriate transmittance.

A device which changes the intensity, and

may also change the spectral distribution, of
the light passing through it.
NOTE. Filters are termed selective
(coloured) or neutral according to whether
 No. Term
10 257 monaxial bifocal
A lens to which one or more surface layers
have been applied to alter one or more of the
properties of the lens.
10 258 double bifocal
A thin layer of a metal (e.g. aluminum) or of
a compound (e.g. magnesium fluoride) 10.3 Term relating to fused bifocals and multifocals
deposited on the surface of a lens or screen
by volatilization in a vacuum. 10 401 button

10 402 invisible solid bifocal

(or multifocal)

10 403 visible solid bifocal

(or multifocal)

10 404 visible centre-controlled

Solid bifocal

10 405 semi-visible solid bifocal

Semi-invisible solid bifocal
deprecated

10 406 prism-segment solid bifocal

10 407 prism thinning

 vertical prism is worked across Hi whole lens
in order to reduce the thickness in the
distance portion.

10.2 Types of bifocal and multifocal lenses

Definition Group a. classified according to method of
A bifocal lens in which the distance and near manufacture
portions have a common optical axis as well No. Term
as common optical centre. 10 201 split bifocal
(or multifocal)
A bifocal lens having two separated segments

10 202 Franking bifocal

The preformed piece of glass which will 10 203 perfection bifocal

become the segment after grinding on one
side to the appropriate curvature for fusing to
the main lens.
10 204 cemented bifocal
A button composed of two or more glasses of (or multifocal)
different refractive index.
10 205 wafer bifocal
A solid bifocal (or multifocal) in which the
segment surface is or could have been
produced by grinding into the main lens and
in which a distinguishing feature is the
existence of a step extending along the 10 206 fused bifocal
dividing line. (or multifocal)

A visible solid bifocal which is completely

prism-controlled so that the optical centres of
the distance and near portions can be
positioned at any desired location.
10 207 solid bifocal
A solid bifocal, of the same mechanical (or multifocal)
construction as the visible centre-controlled One-piece bifocal
solid bifocal, but having the step reduced in (or multifocal)
depth with the formation of a re-entrant are at
the top of the segment. Group b. Classified according to function or
NOTE. It is limited to prescriptions of minus
power in the vertical meridian both for 10 251 blended bifocal
distance and near vision. (See figure 7 (b)). (or multifocal)

A solid prism-controlled bifocal, of

approximately the same construction as the 10 252 bi-prism bifocal
invisible solid bifocal, but incorporating a slab-off bifocal
prism in the segment so that the dividing line deprecated
loses its invisibility.

A process, sometimes applied to progressive

power lenses and E-style bifocals, where 10 253 downcuvre
 10 254 upcurve

10 255 prism-controlled
bifocal
Definition (or multifocal)
Two or more separate lenses, usually for
distance and near vision, fitting edge to edge
in a single rim. 10 256 monocentric bifocal

A split bifocal with straight flat edges in

contact at the divide line.

A split bifocal in which a beveled edge on

one component into a grooved edge in the
other, the dividing line being a cir are.

A lens in which a segment is cemented to the

man lens.

A cemented bifocal in which the edge of the

segment at the dividing line has been made
extremely thin by working it in a temporary
supporting lens.

A lens in which a segment is fused into a

depression in the lens and in which the glass
of the segment has a different refractive
index from that of the main lens; the segment
side of the combined lens forms one
continuous surface when finisher

A lens made of a single piece of material in

which the different of power is due to
different curvatures on one surface.

A lens in which surface of different curvature

are made to merge in a transition zone with
the purpose of eliminating the dividing line.

A form of prism-controlled bifocal in which

the vertical optical centration of the near
portion is modified by introducing a prism
over the lower half of the lens, usually up to
the top of the segment.

Having in the lower part of the lens a near

portion whose upper margin is circular with
its convexity upwards.
Having in the upper part of the lens a
distance portion whose lower margin is
circular with its convexity downwards.

A lens whose method of construction permits

some independent control of prismatic effect
of optical centration of the various portions
of the lens.

A bifocal lens in which the distance and near

portions have a common optical centre.
10 163 jump

10 164 fitting cross

10 165 prism reference point

Definition
The horizontal displacement relative to the
No. Term distance centration point of the near or
10 162 optical inset (O in) intermediate optical centre, with any
prescribed prism being neutralized (see figure
8, dimension PN.)
NOTE. The position of the optical centre of
the near portion is determined by the
prescription and the segment diameter, and it
may lie outside the area of the segment.
Optical insetting is therefore frequently
impracticable and is not commonly used.

The abrupt displacement of the image when

vision passes from one portion to another,
due to sudden change of prismatic effect at
the dividing line.

A reference point (indicated by two

intersecting line) progressive power lens
which is specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE. The fitting cross is usually coincident
with the start of the progression
(see also 1.1 and 1.2)

The point stipulated by the lens

manufacturer, for checking the prescribed
relative prism between a pair of progressive
power lenses.
NOTE. It is essential to stipulate the prism
required at the prism reference point when
ordering one lens of a pair to avoid producing
relative vertical prism. (See 10 127).