The basic information about the optical properties of polymers, comparative characteristics of organic glasses (and other polymeric materials), methods of their modification, including those developed at Kazan State Technological University . are given. The development of research in the traditional fields of application of transparent polymers is reflected, as well as the current trends in the field of creating functional polymer materials containing nanoscale fillers with nonlinear-optical and other properties are considered. It is intended for researchers, teachers, graduate students and students specializing in the field of synthesis, property research, modification and processing of optically transparent polymers, as well as engineering and technical workers of industries related to their application.