Wasn't there, like a decade ago, some university researcher (MIT?) who came up with the idea for a portable lens forming machine that could make arbitrary lens shapes on demand in the field? Maybe it involved rapid curing plastic or something, and a mold that could be shaped easily.

I remember it being described as great for rural areas where it was unlikely / difficult to ensure you would be able to make a return visit or get the people needing glasses to come back when the lenses were eventually ready.