Museum Display Galleries

Our two subterranean spaces offer an intimate encounter with a cross-section of our extensive historic collection of artefacts relating to optometry, the eye and visual health.

The Giles Room: sight-testing equipment, ophthalmic lenses, symbolism of the eye, ocular anatomy, disease and hygiene, prosthetics and contact lenses.

The Sutcliffe Room: antique spectacles and other vision aids, including sunglasses, monocles, spyglasses, opera glasses, teelscopes, microscopes and cameras.

These rooms are usually open for pre-booked tours. If you contact us, asking to visit ‘the museum’, this is what you will see.  

Both rooms may have archive films showing on a rolling loop. The sound may be turned on or off as you prefer.

Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (last appointment)
Duration: approximately 50-60 minutes 
Suitable for: anyone. Children under 16 must be accompanied
Admission: Free, but donations welcome
Booking: Contact us below to arrange a tour

Meeting Room Tours

Opt for our extended tour and you'll not only see the Museum Display Galleries, as detailed above, but also some of the above-ground spaces in the College.

The Print Room: antique engravings, etchings and lithographs from the 16th-19th century displayed in a Georgian style. 

The Panelled Room: paintings, objects and sculpture.

The Charter Room and The Library: rare books, prints, sculpture, the Royal Charter and sight test charts from all over the world.

The Ante-Room: paintings, coins and medals, ceramics, silver, glassware.

The Council Room: paintings, regalia and sculpture.

Please note that the College is a working building so the availability of Meeting Room Tours is subject to other demands on the use of the rooms. Not all tours may be able to include every room. We recommend you have more than one date and time in mind when contacting us to arrange your appointment.

Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm (last appointment)
Duration: One and a half to two hours
Suitable for: individuals, families or groups of up to 25 people
Admission: £10 per person (payable on the day)
Concessions: Free to College Members and Fellows, registered carers, people who are registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired (Certificate of Vision Impairment, CVI (Scotland), or Northern Ireland A655), Museums Association members, OAICC members
Booking: Contact us below to arrange a tour

Researchers

Researchers can make an appointment to view specific items from the collection.

Availability: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (last appointment)
Booking: Contact us below to arrange an appointment

Closures

We will be closed, and no appointments will be available, or we may already be fully booked on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 10 September 2025 (am only); appointments still available in the afternoon
• Thursday 18 September 2025 (am only); appointments still available in the afternoon
• Monday 29 September 2025
• Wednesday 1 October 2025
• Monday 6 October 2025
• Thursday 9 October 2025
• Friday 10 October 2025
• Tuesday 18 November 2025
• Wednesday 19 November 2025
• Tuesday 9 December 2025
• We close completely over the Christmas and New Year period. Exact dates will be confirmed on this page shortly.

Special events

Open House Festival/Heritage Open Days event
Date: Sunday 14 September 2025
Time: 12pm-5pm
Admission: Free
Booking: No need to pre-book. Details may be found on the OHF and HODs websites

Annual General Meeting and Auction of the Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors' Club
Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Time: 11am-5pm
Admission: OAICC Members and named guests only
Booking: Details will accompany the April issue of the journal Ophthalmic Antiques

Keep checking this page for the latest information.

We look forward to seeing you!