Did You Know? Birthplace of Soft Contact Lenses is Here in Harrisburg!

If you've ever wondered about the origins of soft contact lenses, you might be surprised to learn that their story starts right here in Harrisburg, PA, according to Dr. Lawrence Rand, OD. Yes, the Morrison Eye Associates office in Harrisburg played a pivotal role in revolutionizing vision care worldwide. Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of how this small Pennsylvania office became a global innovator.

The Visionary Behind the Revolution

Dr. Robert Morrison, a trailblazing optometrist, is credited with introducing the original soft contact lens material to the United States. This innovative material was developed by Professor Otto Wichterle in the Czech Republic, but it was Dr. Morrison who recognized its potential and brought it to America. From this foundation, Morrison Eye Associates began manufacturing soft contact lenses right in their Harrisburg office.

In fact, in the early days of soft lenses, nearly all of them distributed in the United States came from this very location. It’s incredible to think that a game-changing advancement in optometry originated right in our backyard!

A Global Reach

Dr. Morrison’s influence didn’t stop there. He was a true pioneer in his field, hosting an international contact lens conference annually to bring together the brightest minds in vision care. His expertise took him around the world, where he fitted royalty, celebrities, and heads of
state with contact lenses. If that’s not impressive enough, he also left a lasting impact in academia—his contributions to the field are documented in textbooks studied by optometry students to this day.

Educating the Next Generation

Dr. Morrison’s legacy extended into education as well. Central Penn College once offered an Optometric Technician Program that included a section dedicated to Dr. Morrison and his groundbreaking work. His commitment to advancing the science of optometry and mentoring
the next generation ensured that his contributions would not be forgotten.

Local Roots, Global Impact

It’s not every day that you discover a local business with such a profound global legacy. Morrison Eye Associates continues to serve the Harrisburg community with the same commitment to innovation and care that defined Dr. Morrison’s career.

So, the next time you’re in need of an eye check-up or a pair of contact lenses, consider visiting Morrison Eye Associates—not just for their exceptional care but also to connect with a piece of history that shaped modern optometry.

Discover the Local Legends with Yokl

Yokl is your go-to for uncovering hidden gems and remarkable stories from our community. Who knew that Harrisburg was home to such an iconic chapter in medical history? Stay tuned for more stories like this as we continue to highlight the businesses and individuals that make our area truly special.