All Members of the College are entitled to use the library for loan or reference. The Library is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of optical works, both modern and historical, in existence. It is both a reference and a lending library and its primary function is to support Members. The library catalogue is now available online via the College website, allowing you to identify the book you are looking for. Loan requests can then be made by telephone. As a Member you may borrow up to four volumes at a time, for a period of four weeks.
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.