What We Collect

The Archives & Museum of Optometry serves as a repository of information and resources on the history of the American Optometric Association and the profession of optometry. It is established to preserve historical records, publications, and artifacts which help to document and interpret the development of the profession.

We collect objects which can help to explain the purpose and history of optometry, ophthalmic optics and related subjects, the provision of optometric care, and the history of the AOA and related organizations. Donors to the Archives & Museum play a vital role in contributing to the preservation of this history. Personal papers, records, artifacts and memorabilia can be invaluable in helping to document the profession. Examples of materials considered for inclusion in the collection include:

• American Optometric Association publications, documents, reports, artifacts and souvenirs, anything published or distributed by the AOA or directly related to the Association
  
  
• Biographical items pertaining to optometrists (obituaries, resumes, biographies, photos)
  
  
• Books related to the history of optometry and eyeglasses, and those written by or about optometrists
  
  
• Early optometric journals and newsletters, classic textbooks
  
  
• Historical artifacts such as early or unusual eyewear, contact lenses, instruments and tools, cases, and other items used by optometrists
  
  
• Legal documents, certificates, diplomas, or patents of optometrists
  
  
• Membership lists and directories of optometrists, particularly of affiliated state organizations
  
  
• Memorabilia such as pins/buttons, advertisements, trade catalogs, brochures, programs, signs, souvenirs, commemorative items, invitations, posters, etc. related to optometry or eyewear
  
  
• Oral histories
  
  
• Paintings, drawings, statues, needlework, etc., art in any type of media that shows the public’s perception of optometrists or the history of vision care
  
  
• Photographs of optometric activities, optometrists, optometric equipment or eyewear
  
  
• Scrapbooks by or about optometrists or optometric organizations
  
  
• Vision-related cartoons
  
  
• Yearbooks, bulletins, photos and historical information related to schools of optometry in the U.S., extinct and current

The Archives & Museum of Optometry retains unconditional ownership of any donation and makes the final decision on the use or disposal of any gift. The Archives & Museum reserves the right to decide on the conditions of display, storage, and access to materials in the collection.

Gifts from donors and financial support are important to the continuing development of the collections. To inquire about donating optometric artifacts, photos, documents and other historical items, please contact the Archives & Museum of Optometry, Optometry Cares™ – the AOA Foundation.