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Welcome to the MusEYEum!
Founded by J.H. Sutcliffe of the British Optical Association in 1901, this is a remarkable museum collection of nearly twelve thousand outstanding objects and archival items relating to the history of ophthalmic optics (optometry), the human eye and visual aids, as well as the representation of these subjects in art. Many of the objects in the museum are rare or unique. They're certainly eye-catching! When the BOA voluntarily disbanded in 1980 the Museum was entrusted to the care of the new College of Optometrists. Now in its second century it continues to be recognised as the oldest and one of the best optical museum collections in the world.
The Public is welcome to visit the museum (by prior appointment), book a tour of the College meeting rooms, carry out relevant research using our rich archival resources, or write in with questions on which we can help. Thousands of people from all over the world have done so, but these web pages allow us to share so much more of this rich optical heritage with the widest possible international audience.
Please take time to explore this MusEYEum section of the College website, choosing from the section links below. Together these comprise one of the most extensive sets of specialist subject museum pages in the United Kingdom.
