Library Services (ILAMO)

International Library, Archives & Museum of Optometry (ILAMO)

Located at the St. Louis office of the American Optometric Association, ILAMO is one of optometry's finest visual science information resources.

The visitor to ILAMO will find books, journals, audiovisuals, and electronic database research capabilities, all intended to help optometrists provide good vision care, manage their practices, and promote the profession of optometry. Open to the public, the library also provides information on vision and vision care to teachers, students, and other interested researchers. A few of the subject areas in ILAMO's collection include: International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry (ILAMO)

Clinical optometry
Contact lenses
Environmental vision and safety
Learning disabilities
Low vision
Ophthalmology
Optics
Office and practice management
Ocular pharmacology
Systemic diseases and general health care

While ILAMO is open to visitors, the doctor of optometry need not visit ILAMO in person to take advantage of its services. A telephone call, FAX, e-mail or website request will give one access to:

Research Services. ILAMO provides a link to PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's free search system for health information. AOA members can search then utilize the Loansome Doc function of PubMed to order copies of articles from ILAMO. The library also has online access to the VISIONET database at Southern College of Optometry and the VisionCite database at the Illinois College of Optometry to search for articles related to your subject area.
Journals. ILAMO currently receives over 300 journals and newsletters each month. Some older vision titles date back to the early 1900's. You may request copies of individual articles, but we do not lend journals outside ILAMO.
Books. Thousands of titles, from opththalmic classics to the most recent texts, are available on one-month loan.
Audiovisuals. ILAMO's collection of slide programs, videotapes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and audiocassettes includes clinical material for professional use and staff training, and many presentations you can use with lay audiences. For details and descriptions see the Enhanced Audiovisual List linked to this page. Reserve an A/V item by calling 800/365-2219, ext. 4118.
Online Catalog. The journal, book and audio-visual collections may be searched through the Online Catalog on this site. (Use the Public Access login - no password is required.) Information and materials may be requested through the request function of the Online Catalog.
Calendar of Meetings. ILAMO publishes a Calendar of Meetings that includes dates, places and contact persons for conferences, symposia and workshops in the U.S. and overseas. Subscribe to the Calendar or submit items for listing by calling ILAMO at 800/365-2219, ext. 4117. A calendar of events is also available on the AOA News web site.
Visionlink Newsletter. ILAMO publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, Visionlink, which provides information about the resources, services, and activities of the library, archives, and museum. Here readers learn about new acquisitions, special collections and projects, recently published articles, and other items of interest to the practicing optometrist. Current and back issues of Visionlink may be accessed via the link on this page.

ILAMO's archives collection includes documents related to the American Optometric Association and the history of optometry in the United States. Materials include reports, letters, catalogs, early writings, patents, certificates, photographs, and much more. These items are restricted to use on-site.

The museum includes eyeglasses, contact lenses, cases, instruments, and other artifacts that show the history of eyewear and the optical industry, as well as methods of vision testing and care. It is an excellent collection, with many fine and interesting items on exhibit.

For more information on services or fees:
Phone: 800/365-2219
Fax: 314/991-4101
Email: ILAMO@aoa.org
Write or visit ILAMO at the AOA St. Louis headquarters.