Brief History of Sri Lankan Optometry, with Unverified Buwanekabahu IV Eyewear Lore


The Sri Lanka Optometric Association website states that "Sri Lanka has a tradition in eye care that extends back to the mist of history. It is well documented that during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu the IV (AD 1346 – 1353) of the Gampola period the ancient tradition of optical lens making with natural stone was revitalized and given royal patronage. However, there is ample indications that this craft and the technical knowhow existed and flourished dwell before this period. To further develop the crafts, the practitioners and artisans were given royal protection and a vast area of land was designated so that they could live and practice their craft free of any taxes levied by the king and the produce of the land area allocated to them was for their personal use. A few of the craftsman still live and practice in the original hamlet given to the exponents of the craft by royal decree even today. The natural stone originally used for the manufacturing of these lenses was clear Beryl. However, due to the scarcity of this natural stone clear quartz is used today".

However I find this to be rather sus, even tho its stated in the wiki [website] (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhuvanaikabahu_IV), the second reference that it's linked to is broken, and that article has been redacted it seems. And when looking it up in Google, this article (https://exploresrilanka.lk/crystal-glasses-that-kings-once-wore/) and all the videos on YouTube bring this up in the context of Mr Gunasoma's craftsmanship, allegedly a continuation of this line if work.. there is probably truth to this, but it's hard to say with the limited info. Either way, its wonderful lore.

In the above illustration, of Prince Edward's visit to the see the Tooth Relic, a fellow redditor pointed out how one of the monks was wearing glasses, and if Sri Lanka had opticians back in 1876. This was rlly cool, so had to look into it. The Sri Lanka Optometric Association website also states that "The modern eye care industry of Sri Lanka can be traced back to the late 18th century when the British who conquered the island brought their apothecaries who also dabbled in the supply of a basic and rudimentary crude spectacle. The early 19th century saw a more scientific approach to spectacles with various British and Australian firms dominating the industry in Ceylon as it was then called. There was no regulation or standardization of the products or the service provided during this period".

 

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