I haven’t read the books (yet), but “Lensman” seems to refer to in-universe technology rather than anything in the real world. From the Wikipedia summary of the second Lensman book (which is rather confusingly titled First Lensman):
“. . . He is guided by one of his trusted subordinates to Arisia, a previously unapproachable planet, where he is greeted by a benevolent and telepathic Arisian who presents him with a “Lens”. The Lens is a device that can only be made by the Arisians and that can be worn only by the person that it is exclusively attuned to. It gives its wearer the ability to communicate telepathically with any being or animal with a mind, as well as other powers. The Lens underlies all the remaining stories in the series. Samms is charged with locating all “Lens worthy” individuals and directing them to Arisia to have their own Lens bestowed upon them.”
Right, so it’s kind of a telepathic focusing lens.
I guess that might have been an inspiration for the Force. Although it has more of a PT feel to it (e.g. Midichlorians being needed to tap into the Force).