All Members of the College are entitled to use the services, collections, and facilities of the College Library. The Library supports the education and continuing professional development of Members, by delivering comprehensive library and information services. All Members receive support in the form of document supply and the provision of study space. These services are of particular interest to students, examination candidates and those Members pursuing higher qualifications. Members engaging in research activities are supported by the Information Specialist via literature searching, current awareness, and information skills training.
The Library has a collection of more than 6,500 optometric books and 100 journal titles. College Members can benefit from electronic access to a number of journals by requesting an Athens password. This service enables users to browse current and archived copies of these publications. Members also have access to over 3,000 British Standards online via their Athens account.
The British Optical Association Museum, which is an historical collection of over ten thousand outstanding items of ophthalmic and optical interest, is housed within the College and is open for visiting by prior appointment. Members and Fellows may also take a conducted tour of the displays in the College Meeting Rooms, subject to availability, free of charge (cost to the general public £5). The Museum is recognised as one of the best optical collections in the world.