Archives & Museum

The Archives collection includes documents related to the American Optometric Association and the history of optometry in the United States. Materials include reports, letters, catalogs, patents, photographs, pamphlets, and much more. These items are restricted to use on-site.

The Museum includes eyeglasses, contact lenses, instruments, and other artifacts that show the history of eyewear and the optical industry as well as methods of vision testing and care. The exhibits are open to the public. Click to see images.

Gifts from donors are important to the continuing development of the collections. To inquire about donating artifacts, photos, documents and other historical items, please send detailed lists, descriptions, or photos to:

Linda Draper, Archives & Museum
Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 983-4102
LJDraper@AOA.org