British Optical Association Museum image

British Optical Association Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

A collection of 18,000 objects relating to the history of optometry, the human eye and visual aids. People often mention tour,


Address

42 Craven St, London WC2N 5NG, United Kingdom

Website

www.college-optometrists.org

Contact

+44 20 7766 4353

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (13 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Anders G. 5 years ago on Google • 161 reviews
    A sight to see in London. It is a heaven for puns and wordplay - but if you have an interest in the eye and the history of optometry this is the place to have a look at. I suggest you book the guided tour as the exhibit is very dense and you can easy overlook something. Remember to call in advance to book a tour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen A. 7 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    As part of the Heritage Open Days a very interesting place to visit, knowledgeable staff on hand to explain exhibits, also allowing you to try glasses on or pick them up. Never seen so many unusual ones. An enjoyable morning out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Archie L. 5 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    One of those hidden gems that are a delight to stumble upon. A wunderkammer of diseased eye models, optometry devices, and a huge range of spectacles through the ages. Free tour lead by Neil was very inSIGHTful too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jill C. 5 years ago on Google • 18 reviews
    I went today with my sister and a best friend and was so lucky to get in. We were privileged to be taken round the museum by Neil. It was absolutely fascinating. Neil knew so much and was a fountain of knowledge and very amusing with lots of antidotes to keep us entertained. It was brilliant and I learnt so much. I definitely recommend a visit you wont be disappointed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine W. 5 years ago on Google • 9 reviews
    My friend found this via Google. We were in town for a matinee theatre and were looking for something to do before hand. It is so interesting and not at all what we expected. Neil was our guide, we were really lucky to book a tour on the day. The museum is small but it has so much to see and learn about. Neil is really amusing and has such a depth of knowledge and passion for the subject. The tour included a history of optical evolvement and also offersthe chance to see examples of the first spectacles that takes you through to an exhibit of the queen mother's glasses! This is a free tour, but please make the optional donation requested. I definitely recommend a visit, something really different and an absolute hidden gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bijou V. 7 years ago on Google • 371 reviews
    A fascinating history of eyewear and sight.

  • 5/5 belgin c. 9 years ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Perfect

  • 5/5 Kevin L. 11 years ago on Google • 9 reviews
    A little bit of "hidden" London of particular interest to anyone who wears glasses or contacts. No one can complain about modern eyewear after seeing what the Victorians endured. The collection, which covers several hundred years of equipment is helpfully explained by the curator. Perhaps see this after visiting the nearby National Gallery or Ben Franklin House. Call ahead to make sure a guide is there.

  • 5/5 John S. 9 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    The museum's well-curated themed exhibitions provide a deeper exploration of specific subjects, offering a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Austin C. 4 years ago on Google • 1 review
    Fascinating! and a huge collection. Well maintained. There are always new exhibitions too see. This is one of my favorite museum in London.


Call +44 20 7766 4353 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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