The College of Optometrists has re-opened the British Optical Association Museum, on Craven Street near Strand, to visitors following a programme of renovations to the unique museum’s spaces, new acquisitions and enhancements to the museum’s displays.
Baroness Hayter, Member of the House of Lords, officially re-opened the museum at an exclusive event on Thursday 4 September.
The museum, located at the College’s Central London headquarters, is home to the world’s oldest collection of ophthalmic and optical exhibits. It comprises over twenty-eight thousand outstanding items that tell the story of the history of eye health, including spectacles dating from the 1500s, a wide range of vision aids, diagnostic and sight-testing equipment, artworks and eye health curios. The collection includes original historic items, models, and modern replicas.
The museum is open for pre-booked tours from 8 September 2025. The museum hosts tours for optometrists and other eye care professionals, researchers, and optical-curious members of the public.
Museum display galleries
The newly opened Giles Room, named after former Secretary of the British Optical Association George Henry Giles OBE, is home to some artefacts that have never been on display before, including some of the earliest contact lenses, the Peter & Jean Hansell Collection of Eyebaths, and an eye-opening collection of artificial eyes. Its displays also include sight-testing equipment, ophthalmic lenses, symbolism of the eye, and ocular anatomy and hygiene exhibits.
The Sutcliffe Room houses collections of antique spectacles and other historic vision aids from around the world, including opera glasses, monocles, sunglasses, spyglasses and cameras.
Visitors can interact with some of the exhibits, as well as virtually trying on a range of historic and vintage frames from the collection with the museum’s virtual try-on tool. Both rooms also feature archive film footage with optional audio.
Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, Member of the House of Lords, commented: “I’m delighted to officially re-open this important heritage museum for the optical, ophthalmic and related eye care professions. The College’s British Optical Association Museum celebrates optometry’s long history and commitment to better eye health and vision to the benefit of patients through its rich collection of vision-related exhibits.”
Dr Neil Handley, Curator at the British Optical Association Museum, commented: “This re-opening marks the end of the five-year project to refurbish the entire College building and is the first major investment in the appearance of the museum in a generation. The College is extremely proud to host the British Optical Association Museum at our headquarters. Its extensive collection brings the past to life for today’s optometrists and other eye care professionals as a nationally important resource for learning about the history and practice of optometry.”
David Baker, Renter Warden of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, and John Dixon Salt, Honorary Life President of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors’ Club, also unveiled a plaque in memory of the late museum volunteer and College Honorary Life Fellow Frank Barraclough FCOptom at the event.
Visit the Museum website for more information about visiting and booking a guided tour.