The history of the eyeglass comes with several different theories. There are many different stories about who invented the eyeglass. However, the most commonly accepted theory is that the first eyeglasses were invented by monks living in Italy in the 13th century. The exact city in which the eyeglasses varies, with stories suggesting it was most likely in Pisa.
There are other claims as well, that a nobleman in Venice, named Salvino degli Armati invented the eyeglass in the 17th century.
Other accounts from explorer Christopher Columbus suggest that he encountered eyeglasses during his travels in China in the 13th century. However, these claims have not been backed by any proof.
Who invented bifocals?
Bifocals are eyeglasses with two distinct optical powers. Instead of switching between pairs of glasses constantly, people with near and far-sightedness can use the same pair of glasses to see distances as well as read.
The invention of bifocals has been largely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who suffered from poor vision through his life.