Career
He is credited with being one of the first to employ the concept of orthokeratology, a direct attempt to reduce refractive error with the use of a contact lens, under the term orthofocus. Jessen received his training at the Chicago College of Optometry, now called the Illinois College of Optometry. In 1976, the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association awarded him the The Doctor Josef Dallos Award for "outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of the contact lens industry and for service to humanity".
Together they founded the Wesley-Jessen Corporation as well as the National Eye Research Foundation, which presents the Doctor George North. Jessen Award for Clinical Excellence each year at its annual meeting.
Wesley-Jessen was acquired by Chemical Industries Basel Vision by 2001.
