History of magnifiers

SCHWEIZER has been manufacturing magnifiers with mineral lenses for well over 100 years. The range of magnifying powers and holder designs on offer has continuously been expanded. Silica lenses are still being manufactured today in diameters of up to 200 mm, including lenses with bifocal segments. They are used in e.g. watchmaker’s eyeglasses and linen testers as well as in hand and stand magnifiers. SCHWEIZER also still offers traditional reading magnifiers with chrome-plated metal rims and wooden handles.

In 1984, the company started manufacturing PMMA (Plexiglas®) lenses in-house, which see considerably more widespread use today. From neck magnifiers for needlework up to high-power LED illuminated magnifiers, PMMA lenses are used in a wide variety of products.

Watch the following video and find out more about the history of magnifiers at SCHWEIZER and their evolution from simple magnifying lenses to important, high-quality visual aids for people with impaired vision.