Wichterle (Otto Wichterle)

Otto Wichterle was a Czech chemist best known for inventing soft contact lenses in the 1960s. He developed a special type of silicone-based material called hydrogels, which are soft and water-absorbing, making them comfortable for eye wear. His invention revolutionized vision correction by providing a convenient alternative to glasses and rigid lenses. Wichterle’s work combined chemistry and innovation, and despite political challenges in his home country, his contributions significantly advanced ophthalmology and modern eye care.