College of Optometrists building open to visitors this weekend

The College of Optometrists will be open to the public on Sunday 10 September, as part of the Open House London festival of architecture.

The annual festival sees some of the capital’s finest buildings open their usually shuttered doors to visitors.

The College’s headquarters, at 42 Craven Street in London’s West End, house the oldest collection of ophthalmic artefacts in the world, as well as rare books, antique photographs, vintage vision aids, and models depicting ocular disease.

The building dates from 1901. The British Optical Museum is also located on-site.

Together, the College and the museum offer a timeline of optical history, highlighting advances in medical science as well as the history of eyewear design and fashion.

Both will be open to walk-in visitors from 12 noon until 5pm. Entrance is free.