Museum of Vision Science

The Museum of Vision Science is a collection at the University of Waterloo that displays both physical objects and online exhibits about the history of eye care. The displays feature optical instruments used over time, examination equipment, and educational materials about how vision works.

The collection started with the founding of the optometry school in 1967 and grew with instruments that document how this field developed. Objects in the collection span from the 1830s onward and show how eye care methods have changed over generations.

The collection shows how eye care developed across different cultures and time periods, from ancient vision aids to modern tools. You can see how different societies approached eyesight and the importance of optical instruments in daily life.

The museum is located on campus at the university and welcomes visitors during weekdays with no admission fee required. You should check ahead to see if guided tours or specific visiting times are available.

Some of the objects on display date back to the 1800s and come from different parts of the world, showing how eyeglasses and vision aids were made across various countries. These pieces offer a rare look at the early global history of optical care.