Open House Festival

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

offices

Bennetts Associates, 2014

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, 18 Stephenson Way, NW1 2HD

The museum houses hundreds of artefacts that provide a rich history of the instruments, innovations and patient care over the last 300 years. There are glass cabinets that display some of the artefacts. Much of this collection and its display has been built up by Richard Keeler, who is a widely published expert on ophthalmic history. He has been the Honorary Museum Curator since 1999.

Getting there

Tube

Euston, Euston Square, King's Cross St. Pancras, Warren Street

Train

King's Cross

Bus

18, 24, 29, 30

Additional travel info

N/A - the tour will be inside the building.

Access

Facilities

Accessibility notes

A portable wheelchair ramp is available to enter the building.

What you can expect

There is likely to be noises from HS2 outside of the building. Seating will be available at specific points on the tour.

Create a free visitor account to book festival tickets

Activities

Sat 19 Sep

Guided tour

10:00–10:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

Guided tour

11:00–11:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

Guided tour

13:00–13:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

Guided tour

14:00–14:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

Guided tour

15:00–15:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

Guided tour

16:00–16:45

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

How to book

Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.

About

The Evolution of Eye Care: Museum Tour

Join us for a guided tour of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ museum collection at 18 Stephenson Way, exploring the development of eye care through more than 300 years of ophthalmic history.

Visitors will be introduced to four displays from the College’s museum collection, featuring more than 200 historic artefacts. The tour will look at the evolution of cataract surgery, surgical equipment through the ages, teaching and testing methods used in ophthalmology, and some of the more unusual curiosities from the history of eye care.

Alongside the museum displays, visitors will also have the opportunity to view the College’s training suite, where ophthalmologists develop and refine the skills used in modern eye care. Together, the tour offers a rare chance to see how the profession has evolved — from historic instruments and early techniques to contemporary education and training.

The museum is not usually open for public access, with visits normally arranged by appointment, so this Open House Festival event offers a special opportunity to explore the College’s collection and learn more about the history and future of ophthalmology.

Online presence

www.rcophth.ac.uk/about-the-college/museum

www.linkedin.com/company/the-royal-college-of-ophthalmologists

Nearby

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