Powell johnson biography on the inventors

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Powell Johnson of Barton, Ala., knew that exposure to intense glare and heat was harmful to the eyes and vision, and wanted to do something about it.

Not much is known about Johnson's personal life from the late s; however, he knew that exposure to intense glare and heat was harmful to the eyes and vision, and this spurred him to creative action.

In , Johnson invented the first eye protectors (patent no.

In Black inventor Powell Johnson patented “eye protectors.” Johnson designed the eyewear for various professions, including furnacemen.

Some of the most widely known names in history cross paths during the month of February as we celebrate the rich culture of Black History Month.

Earlier this month, we wrote about America’s first black ophthalmologist, Dr.

David K McDonough, who  broke barriers in a time of heightened racial inequality in the early 19^th century. Dr. McDonough’s bravery and ambitious spirit led to people like Dr. William H. Lawson, Powell Johnson, Kenneth J.

Dunkley and Dr. Patricia Bath who have impacted things you do and see every day without you even knowing it. They have made great advances in the vision industry and boundaries continue to be broken every day.

William H.

Lawson – First African American Optometrist

What better place to start than at the beginning? Dr. William H. Lawson was the first African American to have been licensed to practice op