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  • Creating a Permanent Home for the History of Our Profession

    Set to open in 2020, the Museum of the Eye will be the only publicly accessible, comprehensive collection of ophthalmic artifacts on permanent display in the United States.

    For decades, the Museum of the Eye committee has envisioned a place where the public can celebrate our most precious of the five senses. Thanks to substantial donations from Academy Past President Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD, and Michael F. Marmor, MD, plans are underway to construct the new Museum of the Eye, the only publicly accessible, comprehensive collection of ophthalmic artifacts on permanent display in the United States.

    Until now, the 38,000 ophthalmic artifacts in the collection of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation have only been accessible online or by appointment. This free public museum and education center will introduce the world to the science of sight and the innovations designed to protect it. It will have a permanent home at Academy headquarters in the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, further advancing our goal to educate the public about vision and eye health.

    Delivering an interactive exploration of sight

    From virtual reality headsets to interactive screens, the museum will use cutting-edge technology to deliver impactful experiences to families from around the world. Visitors will interact with educational displays and experience the simulated effects of blinding eye diseases.

    High-tech displays will include virtual walking tours through our anatomy, explorations of how our visual system works and deep dives into the historical collection. The museum will have a soft opening to coincide with AAO 2019 in October and a grand opening in 2020.

    The goals of the museum are to:

    • Preserve the rich history of ophthalmology and vision scientists
    • Celebrate and inspire innovation in eye care
    • Promote eye health on a broad scale

    The campaign to build a new Museum of the Eye is one of the Foundation’s key initiatives. Donate now to help the Foundation create a financially sustainable museum and help push fundraising efforts toward the $12 million goal. Watch this video to learn more about the Museum of the Eye campaign.