College of Optometrists
The College of Optometrists, 41-42 Craven Street, London, Greater London, WC2N 5NG
42 Craven Street is a site/sight to behold! We are the historic qualifying association for ophthalmic opticians (optometrists), an examining body, a learned society and charity governed by Royal Charter. Our headquarters are bedecked with historic objects and images relating to vision aids, sight testing and eye care, including antique spectacles from many countries and paintings of people using or wearing glasses. Our two 1730s Georgian townhouses, with later alterations, also have a history that we'll share with you: private residence, lodging house, doctor's surgery, theatrical agency, dealer in optical curiosities and crime scene. Keep your eyes peeled because we are also a haunted house and some people claim to have seen ghosts, both in our basement and on the front door step. On view, across three different floors, are the Council Room, Print Room, Panelled Room, Studio, Library and Museum (refurbished in 2025). Our Heritage Open Day is a unique chance to visit at a weekend, for free, and without prior appointment. We're not running tours, so you can turn up at any time during the advertised opening hours and visit at your own pace. Expert volunteers are on hand in each room to answer your questions and explain what you see.
Timings
- Sunday 13 September:
- 1200-1700
Location & directions
The College of Optometrists, 41-42 Craven Street, London, Greater London, WC2N 5NG
- Directions:
- We're in a narrow side street leading south from the Strand towards the river. If approaching from the Strand look for the pedestrian ramp leading down between Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square. We are the end-of-terrace property on the left. If approaching from the South (e.g. from Embankment Station) hug the edge of the Kit-Kat Club and keep the Georgian railings on your right all the way up to the top of the street. Look out for the Heritage Open Days bunting, banners and posters.
- Contact on day:
- Neil Handley
- Telephone number:
- +442077664353
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The building interior is fully accessible by lift but there are two steps up to the front door of our Georgian townhouse (ramp available if requested). The nearest disabled toilets are at Charing Cross Station, the National Gallery, or Embankment Gardens.
Additional information
If you like our museum perhaps you'd be interested in volunteering so we can open it up to visitors on more occasions during the year? Tell us if you would like to explore this opportunity. Do you have an interesting optical artefact, such as an old pair of spectacles? Bring it with you and we will tell you all about it.
- Max number of people:
- 50
