British Optical Association Museum, London

British Optical Association Museum is the oldest and best optical museum in the world. It is located within the College of Optometrists on Craven Street, Charing Cross.

The British Optical Association Museum was founded by John H. Sutcliffe OBE of the British Optical Association in 1901, to showcase a huge collection of objects and archived documents related to the history of ophthalmic optics, the human eye and visual aids.

When the British Optical Association was disbanded in 1980, the museum was taken over by the College of Optometrist. It continues to use its original name.

How to reach British Optical Association Museum

Take the Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line or Northern Line to the Embankment Tube Station and walk a short distance to Craven Street.

Visit to the museum is by prior appointment only, so you should contact the number ahead of time. The contact is as follows:

College of Optometrist
42 Craven Street, London Wc2N 5NG
Phone: +44 (0)20 7766 4353

Admission to the museum is free but donations are invited. The staff will usually be available to accommodate visits between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Mondays to Fridays excluding public holidays.

List of Museums in London