Prosthetic aesthetics
29 October 2025
Autumn 2025
Prosthetic eyes are crucial for monocular patients – practically, for supporting facial tissue, and psychologically, for giving them confidence to face the world, writes Kaye McIntosh.
Artificial eyes can be so convincing that even optometrists sometimes don’t spot them initially when a patient comes in for a sight test on their remaining eye.
Around 11,500 artificial eyes are produced every year in the UK. They have been made at the National Artificial Eye Service (NAES) since 1948, at around 30 local artificial eye services and by a handful of independent ocularists (Gout et al, 2022).
For centuries, prostheses have been hand-painted to match the fine details of the iris and sclera of the remaining eye. But advances in 3D printing hold out hope of speeding up production.
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The College welcomed 370 visitors to its historic headquarters as part of this year’s Open House London and Heritage Open Days event on Sunday 14 September.
The College of Optometrists has re-opened the British Optical Association Museum to visitors following a programme of renovations to the unique museum’s spaces, new acquisitions and enhancements to the museum’s displays.
The College will open its doors to the public and members as part of the annual Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days events on Sunday 14 September.