Rotational alignment of combined lenses

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a frame (21) of glasses (18). A combined lens (20) is placed within the frame (21) to define a horizontal axis that is configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. The combined lens includes a stock base lens (22) and a stock additional lens (24). The additional lens (24) is coupled to the base lens (22) with the additional lens (24) and the base lens (22) rotationally aligned in a rotational orientation with respect to each other, such that the functional planes of the base lens (22) and the additional lens (24) within the combined lens (20) are rotationally oriented at first and second rotational orientations, respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis (25) of the combined lens (20). Other applications are also described.

Description

[0001] ROTATIONAL ALIGNMENT OF COMBINED LENSES

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 542,103 to Engler et al., filed October 03, 2023, entitled "Rotational Alignment of Combined Lenses," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Some applications of the present invention generally relate to ophthalmic lenses. In particular, some applications relate to manufacturing a combined lens that includes two lenses coupled to each other.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Lenses are typically placed within a frame of glasses such that the lenses define a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. There are several examples of ophthalmic lens functionalities that require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens. For example, patients suffering from astigmatism (in which the cornea and / or the lens of their eye is misshapen) can be treated using a lens that provides a cylinder correction. The lens is designed such that the power of the cylinder correction conforms with the strength of the astigmatism and also such that the axis of the cylinder correction matches the orientation of the astigmatism with respect to the horizontal axis (which is configured to be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’s eye). Another example of a lens functionality that requires a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, a polarized lens is configured such that the direction of polarization will be largely aligned with the terrestrial horizon when the lens is worn by a wearer, within glasses. In practice therefore, the direction of polarization is typically aligned with the horizontal axis of the lens. There are additional examples of lenses with functionalities that may require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens, for example, lenses that provide certain types of myopia control, lenses that include gradient color tinting, lenses with a protective coating (e.g. UV blocking) that requires different levels of protection for far- vision and near-vision, lenses (for use in smart glasses) that facilitate overlaying information on the lenses using electronic projection.

[0008] In addition, there are glasses that are manufactured with toric (cylindrical) lenses that have a concave front surface, for esthetic purposes. Such lenses are typically non-prescriptive (and are used in sunglasses, for example), although they could be prescriptive. The back surface of such lenses is typically shaped so as to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylinder generated by the concavely-shaped front surface. In such cases, the back surface typically needs to be oriented at a particular orientation with respect to the front surface.

[0009] SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a combined lens (for use with a glasses frame), is made up of a base lens and an additional lens coupled to the base lens. As noted in the Background section above, lenses are typically placed within a frame of glasses such that the lenses define a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. For some applications, each of the lenses performs a function within a functional plane that requires the lens to be rotationally oriented in a given orientation with respect to a horizontal axis of the combined lens. (Typically, the combined lens has a given three-dimensional shape, and the functional plane refers to the x-y component of the shape.) Typically, the base and additional lenses perform respective functions within functional planes that require the lenses to be rotationally oriented at different rotational orientations from each other. Further typically, the functional plane of at least one of the lenses within the combined lens (and optionally both the base lens and the additional lens within the combined lens) requires the functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens. In some embodiments, the functional planes of both the stock base lens and the stock additional lens are required to be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0011] Typically, before being coupled to each other the base lens and the additional lens are rotationally aligned with respect to each other such that, upon being coupled to each other, each of the lenses is rotationally oriented in the required orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens. The combined lens is then placed within a glasses frame such that the horizontal axis of the combined lens will be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer.

[0012] There are several examples of ophthalmic lenses functionalities that require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens. For example, patients suffering from astigmatism (in which the cornea and / or the lens of their eye is misshapen) can be treated using a lens that provides a cylinder correction. The lens is designed such that the power of the cylinder correction conforms with the strength of the astigmatism, and such that the axis of the cylinder correction is perpendicular to the orientation of the astigmatism with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens (which is configured to be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’s eye). Another example of a lens functionality that requires a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, a polarized lens is configured such that the direction of polarization will be largely aligned with the terrestrial horizon when the lens is worn by a wearer, within glasses. In practice therefore, the direction of polarization is typically aligned with the horizontal axis of the lens. There are additional examples of lenses with functionalities that may require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens, for example, lenses that provide myopia control, lenses that include gradient color tinting, lenses with a protective coating (e.g. UV blocking) that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near-vision, lenses (for use in smart glasses) that facilitate overlaying information on the lenses using electronic projection.

[0013] In addition, there are glasses that are manufactured with toric (cylindrical) lenses that have a concave front surface, for esthetic purposes. Such lenses are typically non-prescriptive (and are used in sunglasses, for example), although they could be prescriptive. The back surface of such lenses is typically shaped so as to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylinder generated by the concavely-shaped front surface. In such cases, the back surface typically needs to be oriented at a particular orientation with respect to the front surface.

[0014] It is noted that some such examples may require that a functional plane of a functionality of the lens is rotationally oriented in alignment with the horizontal axis of the lens, while others may require that the functional plane of a functionality of the lens is rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the lens. In accordance with some applications, any combination of the above-described lenses comprise the base lens and the additional lens of a combined lens.

[0015] Typically, by manufacturing a lens that provides two or more of the above-described functions by combining a base lens and an additional lens in the above-described manner, a lens that provides a wearer’s prescription can be assembled from a relatively small number of stock- keeping units. Further typically, the lens can be assembled from combinations of mass- produced stock lenses, without requiring a bespoke lens to be cut.

[0016] There is therefore provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for use with a frame of glasses that are to be worn by a wearer, the apparatus including: a combined lens configured to be placed within the frame of the glasses such that the combined lens defines a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer, the combined lens including: a stock base lens that provides a first function within a first functional plane that requires a functional plane of the base lens to be rotationally oriented at a first rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens; and a stock additional lens that provides a second function within a second functional plane that requires a functional plane of the additional lens to be rotationally oriented at a second rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation, the additional lens being coupled to the base lens with the additional lens and the base lens being rotationally aligned in a rotational orientation with respect to each other, such that the functional planes of the base lens and the additional lens within the combined lens are rotationally oriented at the first and second rotational orientations, respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0017] In some embodiments, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is required to be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a cylinder- lens configured to provide a cylinder correction, and the cylinder lens is coupled to the other lens such that a functional plane of the cylinder lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens such that an axis of the cylinder correction matches an orientation of an astigmatism of the wearer.

[0019] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a myopia-control lens that is configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and the myopiacontrol lens is coupled to the other lens such that that a functional plane of the myopia-control lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired orientation of myopia control to the wearer.

[0020] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a polarized lens that is configured to polarize light along a direction of polarization, and the polarized lens is coupled to the other lens such that a functional plane of the polarized lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired polarization of light to the wearer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic and the additional lens is polarized, such that the combined lens is a polarized photochromic combined lens.

[0022] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes gradient color tinting.

[0023] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens with a protective coating that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near-vision.

[0024] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens that facilitates overlaying information on the lens using electronic projection.

[0025] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation to optical power or cylinder in order to account for the combined lens having a concave front surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the combined lens is not configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction to the wearer.

[0027] In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction. In some embodiments, the combined lens is further configured to provide far-vision correction, and a transitionary progressive corridor between portions of the combined lens that provide the near- vision correction and the far-vision correction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the base lens is configured to provide all of the far-vision correction of the combined lens.

[0029] In some embodiments, combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide a full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lenses nor the additional lens provides optical far-vision correction on its own.

[0030] In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured to provide near-vision correction of up to 0.85 Diopters.

[0031] In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured for use by a pre-presbyopic wearer who reads digital devices.

[0032] In some embodiments, the combined lens includes one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to at least one of a front surface of the combined lens and a back surface of the combined lens, prior to the additional lens being coupled to the base lens.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coating selected from the list consisting of: a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, a hydrophobic coating, a super-hydrophobic coating, an antistatic coating, an oleophobic coating, a clean coating, a blue-light filter, a reflective coating, an anti-UV coating, a photochromic coating, a tinting coating, and a mirror coating.

[0034] In some embodiments, the combined lens includes a first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens and includes a second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens, prior to the additional lens being coupled to the base lens.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first set of one or more functional coatings that were preapplied to the front surface of the combined lens are the same as the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first set of one or more functional coatings that were preapplied to the front surface of the combined lens are different from the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens. There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method for use with a frame of glasses that are to be worn by a wearer, the method including: manufacturing a combined lens configured to be placed within the frame of the glasses such that the combined lens defines a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer, by: rotationally aligning with respect to each other: a stock base lens that provides a first function within a first functional plane that requires a functional plane of the base lens to be rotationally oriented at a first rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, and a stock additional lens that provides a second function within a second functional plane that requires a functional plane of the additional lens to be rotationally oriented at a second rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation, the rotational alignment of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other being such that upon the combined lens being formed, the functional planes of the base lens and the additional lens will be rotationally oriented at the first and second rotational orientations, respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens; and coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other while the stock base lens and the stock additional lens are rotationally aligned with respect to each other.

[0037] In some embodiments, rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other includes rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens will be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0038] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a cylinder-lens configured to provide a cylinder correction, and rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other includes rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the cylinder lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens such that an axis of the cylinder correction matches an orientation of an astigmatism of the wearer.

[0039] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a myopia-control lens that is configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other includes rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the myopia-control lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired orientation of myopia control to the wearer.

[0040] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a polarized lens that is configured to polarize light along a direction of polarization, and rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other includes rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the polarized lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired polarization of light to the wearer.

[0041] In some embodiments, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic and the additional lens is polarized, and coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes forming a polarized photochromic combined lens.

[0042] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes gradient color tinting.

[0043] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens with a protective coating that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near-vision.

[0044] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens that facilitates overlaying information on the lens using electronic projection.

[0045] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation to optical power or cylinder in order to account for the combined lens having a concave front surface.

[0046] In some embodiments, the combined lens is not configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction to the wearer. In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured to provide additive power for near- vision correction.

[0047] In some embodiments, the combined lens is further configured to provide far-vision correction, and a transitionary progressive corridor between portions of the combined lens that provide the near- vision correction and the far-vision correction.

[0048] In some embodiments, the base lens is configured to provide all of the far-vision correction of the combined lens.

[0049] In some embodiments, combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide a full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lenses nor the additional lens provides optical far-vision correction on its own.

[0050] In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured to provide near-vision correction of up to 0.85 Diopters.

[0051] In some embodiments, the combined lens is configured for use by a pre-presbyopic wearer who reads digital devices.

[0052] In some embodiments, coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other with one or more functional coatings having been pre-applied to at least one of a front surface of the combined lens and a back surface of the combined lens, prior to coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coating selected from the list consisting of: a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, a hydrophobic coating, a super-hydrophobic coating, an antistatic coating, an oleophobic coating, a clean coating, a blue-light filter, a reflective coating, an anti-UV coating, a photochromic coating, a tinting coating, and a mirror coating.

[0054] In some embodiments, coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other with one or more functional coatings having been pre-applied to both the front surface of the combined lens and the back surface of the combined lens, prior to coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other. In some embodiments, the first set of one or more functional coatings that were preapplied to the front surface of the combined lens are the same as the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first set of one or more functional coatings that were preapplied to the front surface of the combined lens are different from the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

[0056] In some embodiments, coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes: placing the stock base lens and the stock additional lens in respective first and second pressure chambers, with an adhesive layer disposed between the stock base lens and the stock additional lens, pressure within each of the first and second pressure chambers being independently controllable; bringing a convex surface of the stock additional lens into contact with the adhesive layer, such that a central region of the convex surface of the stock additional lens initially contacts the adhesive layer, and contact between the convex surface of the stock additional lens and the adhesive layer subsequently radiates outwardly from the central region of the convex surface of the stock additional lens, until the convex surface of the stock additional lens becomes covered by the adhesive layer; and bringing a concave surface of the stock base lens into contact with the adhesive layer, such that a central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens initially contacts the adhesive layer, and contact between the concave surface of the stock base lens and the adhesive layer subsequently radiates outwardly from the central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens, until the concave surface of the stock base lens becomes covered by the adhesive layer.

[0057] In some embodiments, rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other includes rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other within the respective first and second pressure chambers.

[0058] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pair of glasses that contains one or more lenses that are made up of a base lens and an additional lens coupled to the base lens, in accordance with some applications of the present invention; and

[0060] Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are schematic illustrations of respective steps of an adhesion process for coupling an additional lens to a base lens, in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a pair of glasses 18 that includes one or more combined lenses 20 within a glasses frame 21. Each of the combined lenses is made up of a base lens 22 and an additional lens 24 coupled to the base lens, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As noted in the Background section above, lenses are typically placed within a frame of glasses such that the lenses define a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. For some applications, each of the lenses (i.e., base lens 22 and additional lens 24) performs a function within a functional plane that requires the lens to be rotationally oriented in a given orientation with respect to a horizontal axis 25 of the combined lens. (Typically, the lens has a given three-dimensional shape, and the functional plane refers to the x-y component of the shape.) Typically, the lenses perform respective functions within functional planes that require the lenses to be rotationally oriented at different rotational orientations from each other. Further typically, the functional plane of at least one of the lenses within the combined lens (and optionally both the base lens and the additional lens within the combined lens) requires the functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0063] Typically, the base lens and the additional lens are coupled to each other, for example, using the apparatus and methods described herein below with reference to Figs. 2A-D. Before being coupled to each other, the lenses are rotationally aligned with respect to each other such that, upon being coupled to each other, each of the lenses is rotationally oriented in the required orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens. The combined lens is then placed within the glasses frame such that horizontal axis 25 of the combined lens will be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. The additional lens is typically coupled to the back side of the base lens, i.e., the concave side of the base lens, which is closer to the patient’s face when glasses 18 are worn by the patient. In some applications, the additional lens is coupled to the front side of the base lens, i.e., the convex side of the base lens, which is farther from the patient’ s face when glasses 18 are worn by the patient. It is noted that, in the enlarged portion of Fig. 1, a gap is shown between the outer edge of the additional lens and glasses frame 21. Typically, such a gap would not exist in practice, and such a gap is only shown in Fig. 1 for illustrative purposes, in order to show additional lens 24 and base lens 22.

[0064] As described hereinabove in Background, there are several examples of ophthalmic lenses functionalities that require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens . For example, patients suffering from astigmatism (in which the cornea and / or the lens of their eye is misshapen) can be treated using a lens that provides a cylinder correction. The lens is designed such that the power of the cylinder correction conforms with the strength of the astigmatism, and such that the axis of the cylinder correction is perpendicular to the orientation of the astigmatism with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens (which is configured to be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’ s eye). Another example of a lens functionality that requires a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, a polarized lens is configured such that the direction of polarization will be largely aligned with the terrestrial horizon when the lens is worn by a wearer, within glasses. In practice therefore, the direction of polarization is typically aligned with the horizontal axis of the lens. There are additional examples of lenses with functionalities that may require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens, for example, lenses that provide myopia control, lenses that include gradient color tinting, lenses with a protective coating (e.g. UV blocking) that requires different levels of protection for far- vision and near-vision, lenses (for use in smart glasses) that facilitate overlaying information on the lenses using electronic projection.

[0065] In addition, there are glasses that are manufactured with toric (cylindrical) lenses that have a concave front surface, for esthetic purposes. Such lenses are typically non-prescriptive (and are used in sunglasses, for example), although they could be prescriptive. The back surface of such lenses is typically shaped so as to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylinder generated by the concavely-shaped front surface. In such cases, the back surface typically needs to be oriented at a particular orientation with respect to the front surface.

[0066] It is noted that some such examples may require that a functional plane of a functionality of the lens is rotationally oriented in alignment with the horizontal axis of the lens, while others may require that the functional plane of a functionality of the lens is rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the lens. In accordance with some applications, any combination of the above-described lenses comprise base lens 22 and additional lens 24 of combined lens 20.

[0067] For some applications, the combined lens provides single vision optical corrective functionality, e.g., far-vision corrective functionality. For some applications, the base lens provides all of the far-vision corrective functionality that is provided by the combined lens. Alternatively, the combined optical properties of the base and additional lens provide the full combined lens desired optical correction, while neither the base lenses nor the additional lens provides the optical far-vision correction on its own (e.g., as described in US 11,378,821 to Katzman, which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0068] Typically, the combined lens is not configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction. Alternatively, for some applications, the additional lens is configured to additive power, in order to provide additive near-vision correction. For some applications, the additional lens is configured to provide only a small amount of additive power. For example, the correction may be a correction of up to 0.85 diopters, in order to provide near-vision correction for a pre-presbyopic wearer (e.g., a relatively young wearer) who reads digital devices. Typically, for such applications, the additional lens provides additive power for near-vision correction, as well as far-vision correction, and a transitionary progressive corridor between near and far vision.

[0069] Typically, by manufacturing a lens that provides two or more of the above-described functions by combining a base lens and an additional lens in the above-described manner, a lens that provides a wearer’s prescription can be assembled from a relatively small number of stock- keeping units. Further typically, the lens can be assembled from combinations of mass- produced stock lenses, without requiring a bespoke lens to be cut.

[0070] For example, if a wearer requires a polarized lens together with a cylinder correction having a power of X diopters and an axis of Y degrees, a combined lens is manufactured by coupling a cylinder-correcting lens having a power of X diopters to a polarized lens, and rotating the cylinder-correcting lens such that it is oriented at an angle of Y degrees with respect to the direction of polarization of the polarized lens before coupling the lenses to each other. If a different wearer requires a polarized lens with a cylinder correction having a power of X diopters and an axis of Z degrees, a combined lens is manufactured by coupling the same cylinder-correcting lens having a power of X diopters to a polarized lens, but in this case rotating the cylinder-correcting lens such that it is oriented at an angle of Z degrees with respect to the direction of polarization of the polarized lens before coupling the lenses to each other.

[0071] Alternatively, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the additional lens is polarized. By orienting the base lens at the additional lens at a suitable orientation with respect to each other, a polarized photochromic combined lens is manufactured that matches the patient’s prescription. In accordance with the above paragraphs, typically, both the base lens and the additional lens are stock lenses (i.e., lenses that are mass produced to provide a certain type and / or value of optical correction that is commonly required), as opposed to one or both of the lenses being a bespoke lens (i.e., a lens that is formed for a specific patient to provide a particular optical correction that they require).

[0072] Typically, subsequent to a bespoke lens being processed, one or more functional coatings are applied to the front and / or back surface of the lens, such as a hard coating, an anti- reflective coating, a hydrophobic coating, a super-hydrophobic coating, an oleophobic coating, an antistatic coating, a clean coating, a blue-light filter, a reflective coating, an anti-UV coating, a photochromic coating, a tinting coating, a mirror coating, or any combination thereof. Further typically, this adds to the manufacturing time of the lens, since the processing of the lens takes time, and the application of the functional coating takes additional time and can only be performed subsequent to the lens having been processed. Typically, in accordance with applications of the present invention, both the base lens and the additional lens are stock lenses. As described hereinabove, the additional lens is typically coupled to the back side of the base lens. Typically, for such applications, the one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the front surface of the base lens. Further typically, the one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the back surface of the additional lens. (It is noted that the coatings that are applied to the back surface of the additional lens are not necessarily identical to the coatings that are applied to the front surface of the bespoke base lens.) Thus, as soon as the additional lens is coupled to the base lens, the functional coatings are already in place on the front and / or back surfaces of the combined lens. Typically, this requires substantially less time from when a bespoke lens is ordered until it is manufactured than is required in order to first form a bespoke lens based upon the order and only subsequently apply functional coatings to the bespoke lens. For some applications, the additional lens is coupled to the front side of the base lens, in which case the front surface of the additional lens and the back surface of the base lens are typically coated with the pre-applied coatings. In many cases, lens coating cannot cost-effectively be applied on a per lens basis, and must be carried out in batches of several lenses. Bespoke lenses awaiting coating may await idly for significant lengths of time before enough lenses have been accumulated to sufficiently fill a batch in the coating machine. For this reason, the method of production described hereinabove typically enables production time savings, relative to the manufacture and coating of a bespoke lens, that are significantly larger than merely the coating process cycle time.

[0073] The above-described techniques may be applied to any other type of base lens or additional lens with functionalities that require a functional plane of the lens to be rotationally oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens, for example, lenses that provide certain types of myopia control, lenses that include gradient color tinting, lenses with a protective coating (e.g. UV blocking) that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near-vision, lenses (for use in smart glasses) that facilitate overlaying information on the lenses using electronic projection, and / or lenses that include compensations to the power or cylinder in order to account for the combined lens having a concave front surface.

[0074] Reference is now made to Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which are schematic illustrations of respective steps of an adhesion process for adhering an additional lens to a base lens, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. It is noted that the adhesion process is generally similar to that described in US 2023 / 0104521 to Halahmi, which is the US national phase of WO 2021-198822 to Halahmi, which is incorporated herein by reference. For some applications, alternative apparatus and / or methods are used for adhering the base lens and the additional lens to each other.

[0075] Typically, the steps shown in Figs. 2A-D are performed with the lenses rotationally aligned with respect to each other such that upon being adhered to each other, each of the lenses is rotationally oriented with its functional place in the required orientation to perform its respective function with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, as described hereinabove. Typically, the additional lens defines at least one convex surface and the base lens defines at least one concave surface, and the convex surface of the additional lens is adhered to the concave surface of the base lens.

[0076] For some applications, additional lens 24 is held in a first chamber 71 and base lens 22 is held in a second chamber 72, as shown in Fig. 2A. Typically, within the respective chambers, the lenses are rotationally aligned with respect to each other such that upon being adhered to each other, each of the lenses is rotationally oriented in the required orientation with respect to each other. As described hereinabove, typically, once the combined lens has been formed, the combined lens is then placed within the glasses frame such that the horizontal axis of the combined lens will be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer. Further typically, when the wearer is in an upright position while wearing the glasses, the horizontal axis of the lens will be largely aligned with the terrestrial horizon. For some applications, each of chambers 71 and 72 function as an oven, in that the temperature of each of the chambers can be controlled. Alternatively, the chambers are not heated. Typically, chamber 71 is coupled to a source of vacuum pressure via a first tube 70 and chamber 72 is coupled to the same or an alternative source of vacuum pressure via a second tube 75, such that the pressure within each of the chambers can be controlled independently of each other.

[0077] Typically, a thin, flexible adhesive layer 73 (which is typically a pressure-sensitive adhesive, both sides of which are adhesive) is held between the two chambers. For example, as shown in the cross-section view of the chambers, adhesive layer 73 may be held between the first and second chambers by a solid plate 79. Typically, the adhesive layer has a uniform thickness, which is typically more than 20 microns (e.g., more than 50 microns), and / or less than 300 microns (e.g., less than 200 microns), for example, 20-300 microns, or 50-200 microns. For some applications, the additional lens is adhered to the base lens by adhesive layer 73, without leaving significant air bubbles or other spaces in place between either one of the lenses and the adhesive layer, by controlling the pressure within the chambers and moving the lenses toward the adhesive layer in accordance with the steps shown in Figs. 2A-D. Typically, during much of the procedure, vacuum pressure (e.g., negative pressure of between 1 millibar and 1 bar) is generated within each of the chambers, such as to reduce the pressure below ambient pressure. At certain stages of the procedure, pressure in one or both of the chambers may be increased or decreased, as described hereinbelow. For some applications, at one or more stages during the adhesion process, heating is applied to one or both of the lenses, and / or the adhesive layer, and / or one or both of the pressure chambers. The convex surface of the additional lens has a central region 76. As shown in Fig. 2B, for some applications, a pressure difference is generated between chambers 71 and 72 that is such as to cause the adhesive layer to form a convex curve that faces toward the convex surface of the additional lens, such that a central region 74 of the adhesive layer is closer to central region 76 of the convex surface of the additional lens than any other two points on the adhesive layer and the convex surface of the additional lens. As described above, typically, the pressure within chambers 71 and 72 is controlled independently of one another. For some applications, at this stage, the pressure in chamber 71 is made to be lower than in chamber 72, in order to cause the adhesive layer to curve in the above-described manner.

[0078] While the adhesive layer is curving toward the additional lens, the additional lens and the adhesive layer are brought toward each other, e.g., using a mechanical pushing element 80. For some applications, the pushing element is a dome-shaped pushing element that is hydraulically controlled using a piston 81, as shown. Typically, adhesive layer 73 and additional lens 24 first touch each other at their respective central regions 74 and 76. As the additional lens continues to be brought toward the adhesive layer, contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer radiates outwardly from central region 76 of the convex surface of the additional lens, until the convex surface of the additional lens becomes fully covered by the adhesive layer. It is noted that for some applications, the adhesive layer is not made to curve toward the additional lens. Nevertheless the first point of contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer is typically at the center of the additional lens, by virtue of the convex curvature of the convex surface of the additional lens. Typically, by causing the additional lens to first contact the adhesive layer at its center and then causing contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer to radiate outwardly, air bubbles are forced out from between the additional lens and the adhesive layer, thereby substantially preventing air bubbles from being trapped between the additional lens and the adhesive layer.

[0079] As described hereinabove, prior to the lenses being adhered to each other, within the respective chambers, the lenses are rotationally aligned with respect to each other such that upon being adhered to each other, each of the lenses is rotationally oriented in the required orientation with respect to each other. Typically, the rotational alignment of the lenses is performed by rotating pushing element 80, by rotating the element that holds the base lens 22, and / or by placing the lenses within the respective chambers at the desired rotational alignments. For some applications, prior to bringing the additional lens and the adhesive layer toward each other, vacuum pressure is established at least in first chamber 71 (i.e., the pressure within the first chamber is made to be less than ambient pressure), in order to remove air bubbles from between the adhesive layer and the additional lens. The establishment of vacuum pressure within the first chamber is typically performed irrespective of whether differential pressure is established between the first and second chambers at this stage (i.e., in order to cause the adhesive layer to curve, as described hereinabove). For some applications, subsequent to adhering the adhesive layer to the additional lens, in order to remove any smaller air bubbles which may nevertheless have become trapped between the additional lens and the adhesive layer and / or any vacant volumes which may be located between the additional lens and the adhesive layer, pressure within chamber 71 and / or chamber 72 is increased (e.g., to ambient pressure). The increase in pressure typically causes any small air bubbles which may have become trapped between the additional lens and the adhesive layer to percolate out from between the additional lens and the adhesive layer and causes any vacant volumes which may be located between the additional lens and the adhesive layer to be removed, by applying pressure to the adhesive layer.

[0080] Referring to Figs. 2C and 2D, subsequent to adhering adhesive layer 73 to additional lens 24, the additional lens and the adhesive layer are brought toward base lens 22 (e.g., using mechanical pushing element 80). For some applications, prior to bringing the additional lens and the adhesive layer toward the base lens, vacuum pressure is established at least in second chamber 72 (i.e., the pressure within the second chamber is made to be less than ambient pressure), in order to remove air bubbles from between the adhesive layer and the base lens. Typically, the convex curvature of the surface of the additional lens that is to be adhered to the adhesive layer is made to be greater than the concave curvature of the surface of the base lens that is to be adhered to the adhesive layer. Thus, the respective shapes of the additional lens and the base lens are typically such that the first point of contact between the adhesive layer (which at this stage conforms to the shape of the additional lens) and the base lens is at a central region 77 of the concave surface of base lens 22 (as shown in Fig. 2C). As the additional lens continues to be pushed toward the base lens, contact between the adhesive layer and the base lens radiates outwardly from the center of the concave surface of the base lens, until the concave surface of the base lens becomes fully covered by the adhesive layer (as shown in Fig. 2D). Typically, by causing the base lens to first contact the adhesive layer at its center and then causing contact between the base lens and the adhesive layer to radiate outwardly, air bubbles are forced out from between the base lens and the adhesive layer, thereby substantially preventing air bubbles from being trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer.

[0081] For some applications, in order to remove any smaller air bubbles which may nevertheless have become trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer and / or any vacant volumes which may be located between the additional lens and the adhesive layer, pressure within chamber 71 and / or 72 is increased (e.g., to ambient pressure). The increase in pressure typically causes any small air bubbles which may have become trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer to percolate out and causes any vacant volumes which may be located between the additional lens and the adhesive layer to be removed. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical pressure is applied to one or both sides of the combined lenses (e.g., using mechanical pushing element 80 and / or an additional pushing element that is configured to push against the outer surface of base lens 22), in order to cause any small air bubbles which may have become trapped between the additional lens and the adhesive layer and / or between the base lens and the adhesive layer to percolate out, and / or in order to remove any vacant volumes which may be located between the additional lens and the adhesive layer and / or between the base lens and the adhesive layer. Further alternatively or additionally, the combined lens is transferred to a separate chamber that is used to apply heat and pressure to one or both sides of the combined lenses.

[0082] It is noted that, although Figs. 2A-D show the adhesive layer first being applied to the additional lens and subsequently applying the adhesive layer to the base lens, the scope of the present application includes first applying the adhesive layer to the base lens and subsequently applying the adhesive layer to the additional lens. Similarly, although the arrangement schematically illustrated in Figs. 2A-D shows the additional lens disposed beneath the adhesive layer and the base lens, the scope of the present application includes performing generally similar techniques but with the base lens disposed beneath the adhesive layer and the additional lens, and / or with the base lens, the adhesive layer, and the additional lens disposed alongside each other, and / or a different arrangement.

[0083] It is further noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to using the apparatus and methods described with reference to Figs. 2A-D for adhering the base lens and the additional lens to each other. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure incudes using any apparatus and methods for adhering the base lens and the additional lens to each other as would be understood to a person of reasonable skill in the art. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for use with a frame of glasses that are to be worn by a wearer, the apparatus comprising: a combined lens configured to be placed within the frame of the glasses such that the combined lens defines a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer, the combined lens comprising: a stock base lens that provides a first function within a first functional plane that requires a functional plane of the base lens to be rotationally oriented at a first rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens; and a stock additional lens that provides a second function within a second functional plane that requires a functional plane of the additional lens to be rotationally oriented at a second rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation, the additional lens being coupled to the base lens with the additional lens and the base lens being rotationally aligned in a rotational orientation with respect to each other, such that the functional planes of the base lens and the additional lens within the combined lens are rotationally oriented at the first and second rotational orientations, respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is required to be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a cylinder-lens configured to provide a cylinder correction, and wherein the cylinder lens is coupled to the other lens such that a functional plane of the cylinder lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens such that an axis of the cylinder correction matches an orientation of an astigmatism of the wearer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a myopia-control lens that is configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and wherein the myopia-control lens is coupled to the other lens such that that a functional plane of the myopia-control lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respectto the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired orientation of myopia control to the wearer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a polarized lens that is configured to polarize light along a direction of polarization, and wherein the polarized lens is coupled to the other lens such that a functional plane of the polarized lens is configured to be rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired polarization of light to the wearer.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic and the additional lens is polarized, such that the combined lens is a polarized photochromic combined lens.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises gradient color tinting.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens with a protective coating that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near- vision.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens that facilitates overlaying information on the lens using electronic projection.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens configured to provide compensation to optical power or cylinder in order to account for the combined lens having a concave front surface.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combined lens is not configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction to the wearer.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the combined lens is configured to provide additive power for near-vision correction.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the combined lens is further configured to provide far-vision correction, and a transitionary progressive corridor between portions of the combined lens that provide the near-vision correction and the far-vision correction.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the base lens is configured to provide all of the far-vision correction of the combined lens.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide a full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lenses nor the additional lens provides optical far- vision correction on its own.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the combined lens is configured to provide near-vision correction of up to 0.85 Diopters.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the combined lens is configured for use by a pre-presbyopic wearer who reads digital devices.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the combined lens comprises one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to at least one of a front surface of the combined lens and a back surface of the combined lens, prior to the additional lens being coupled to the base lens.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the one or more functional coatings comprise one or more functional coating selected from the list consisting of: a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, a hydrophobic coating, a super-hydrophobic coating, an antistatic coating, an oleophobic coating, a clean coating, a blue-light filter, a reflective coating, an anti- UV coating, a photochromic coating, a tinting coating, and a mirror coating.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the combined lens comprises a first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens and comprises a second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens, prior to the additional lens being coupled to the base lens.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens are the same as the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens are different from the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

23. A method for use with a frame of glasses that are to be worn by a wearer, the method comprising:manufacturing a combined lens configured to be placed within the frame of the glasses such that the combined lens defines a horizontal axis that is configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer’s eye when the glasses are worn by the wearer, by: rotationally aligning with respect to each other: a stock base lens that provides a first function within a first functional plane that requires a functional plane of the base lens to be rotationally oriented at a first rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, and a stock additional lens that provides a second function within a second functional plane that requires a functional plane of the additional lens to be rotationally oriented at a second rotational orientation with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation, the rotational alignment of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other being such that upon the combined lens being formed, the functional planes of the base lens and the additional lens will be rotationally oriented at the first and second rotational orientations, respectively, with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens; and coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other while the stock base lens and the stock additional lens are rotationally aligned with respect to each other.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other comprises rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens will be rotationally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a cylinder-lens configured to provide a cylinder correction, and wherein rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other comprises rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the cylinder lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens such that an axis of the cylinder correction matches an orientation of an astigmatism of the wearer.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a myopia-control lens that is configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and wherein rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other comprises rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the myopia-control lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired orientation of myopia control to the wearer.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens is a polarized lens that is configured to polarize light along a direction of polarization, and wherein rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other comprises rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other such that upon the combined lens being formed a functional plane of the polarized lens is rotationally oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens so as to provide a desired polarization of light to the wearer.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic and the additional lens is polarized, and wherein coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other comprises forming a polarized photochromic combined lens.

29. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises gradient color tinting.

30. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens with a protective coating that requires different levels of protection for far-vision and near- vision.

31. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens that facilitates overlaying information on the lens using electronic projection.

32. The method according to claim 23, wherein one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens comprises a lens configured to provide compensation to optical power or cylinder in order to account for the combined lens having a concave front surface.

33. The method according to claim 23, the combined lens is not configured to provide additive power for near- vision correction to the wearer.

34. The method according any one of claims 23-32, wherein the combined lens is configured to provide additive power for near- vision correction.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the combined lens is further configured to provide far-vision correction, and a transitionary progressive corridor between portions of the combined lens that provide the near-vision correction and the far-vision correction.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the base lens is configured to provide all of the far-vision correction of the combined lens.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide a full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lenses nor the additional lens provides optical far-vision correction on its own.

38. The method according to claim 34, wherein the combined lens is configured to provide near-vision correction of up to 0.85 Diopters.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the combined lens is configured for use by a pre-presbyopic wearer who reads digital devices.

40. The method according to any one of claims 23-33, wherein coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other comprises coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other with one or more functional coatings having been pre-applied to at least one of a front surface of the combined lens and a back surface of the combined lens, prior to coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the one or more functional coatings comprise one or more functional coating selected from the list consisting of: a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, a hydrophobic coating, a super-hydrophobic coating, an antistatic coating, an oleophobic coating, a clean coating, a blue-light filter, a reflective coating, an anti- UV coating, a photochromic coating, a tinting coating, and a mirror coating.

42. The method according to claim 40, wherein coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other comprises coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other with one or more functional coatings having been pre-applied to both the front surface of the combined lens and the back surface of the combined lens, prior to coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens are the same as thesecond set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein the first set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens are different from the second set of one or more functional coatings that were pre-applied to the back surface of the combined lens.

45. The method according to any one of claims 23-33, wherein coupling the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other comprises: placing the stock base lens and the stock additional lens in respective first and second pressure chambers, with an adhesive layer disposed between the stock base lens and the stock additional lens, pressure within each of the first and second pressure chambers being independently controllable; bringing a convex surface of the stock additional lens into contact with the adhesive layer, such that a central region of the convex surface of the stock additional lens initially contacts the adhesive layer, and contact between the convex surface of the stock additional lens and the adhesive layer subsequently radiates outwardly from the central region of the convex surface of the stock additional lens, until the convex surface of the stock additional lens becomes covered by the adhesive layer; and bringing a concave surface of the stock base lens into contact with the adhesive layer, such that a central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens initially contacts the adhesive layer, and contact between the concave surface of the stock base lens and the adhesive layer subsequently radiates outwardly from the central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens, until the concave surface of the stock base lens becomes covered by the adhesive layer.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other comprises rotationally aligning the stock base lens and the stock additional lens with respect to each other within the respective first and second pressure chambers.

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