Visiting
The British Optical Association Museum is located in a charming Georgian house, just off the Strand in Central London. We are happy to offer guided tours of the museum and exhibitions to individuals and groups who book in advance.
We're opening soon!
We will be reopening our doors to visitors to the museum very soon, and this will be done on a phased basis. Key dates are outlined below:
Key opening dates
From 1 March 2022: Researchers
Researchers, including College members and fellows, can request to see specific objects from the museum or library collection. If you are not sure what you are looking for, get in touch to discuss your research needs and we'll be happy to advise. Please note, however, that during this phase there will be no access to the museum displays.
From 5 September 2022: Individual visitors and small groups (maximum five persons)
We will be re-opening our two downstairs museum rooms with new displays, and there will be more to see than ever before. All visits are free of charge, but should be pre-booked.
From 3 October 2022: Fully re-open
Our extended (and chargeable) 'Full Building Tours' for individuals and groups will resume. We also anticipate being able to welcome larger group visits (between five and twenty five persons) from this date.
Please note: These are revised dates due to the additional refurbishment works that will now be taking place.
We're looking forward to seeing you!
Contact us
For further information, to discuss your needs, or make a provisional appointment, please contact the Curator:
Neil Handley PhD, AMA, FRSA
Museum Curator
British Optical Association Museum
The College of Optometrists
42 Craven Street, London, WC2N 5NG United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 7766 4353
Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.00pm
E: museum@college-optometrists.org
Twitter: @CollegeOptomUK (#musEYEum)
Instagram: @collegeofoptometrists and @musEYEum (#musEYEum)