Ingenious Harwood Specs Straighten Bent Vision

1979 saw the introduction of light weight "look up" Harwood glasses designed and made by Brian Barnes and Trevor Harwood.

The idea of the Harwood glasses is to give aided upward vision to disabled people by the use of prisms.

The Harwood spectacles are of great value to people with the disease Ankylosing Spondylitis and other spinal arid muscle wasting disease that bend the person into tire shape of a question mark as illustrated opposite.

An essential part in the making of these Harwood glasses is the need for a very light weight material for the frame, lenses and prism, as most people find glasses slide down the nose when in a bent forward position.

It must be appreciated that being in a fixed neck position and bent over, a spondylitic can only see about waist height on a person standing 3ft in front of them. With the aid of the Harwood glasses it is possible to see the other person's face and above.

Also when out walking, street furniture such as street lamps, post boxes etc. cause an added problem but with prismatic Harwood glasses one can see just as well as any upright person.

PROCEDURE

Firstly, the measurements should be taken from the diagram to the right. Heels and buttocks should be placed against the wall and measurement A taken from the wall to the centre of the neck. Measurement B is from the tip of the longest finger to the floor.

The Harwood glasses are made on a one-off basis so that each pair can be tailor made to the person's specific disability, The spectacles are supplied in clear or prescription lenses. If a prescription lens is required the prescription must be supplied. There is also a choice in whether the frames are made of plastic or metal.

Prices

"Prices range between £170 and £200, depending on the lens required and the frame desired.

For information on suppliers please e-mail admin@nass.co.uk or telephone the NASS office on 0208 948 9117"