The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) plans to construct the world’s first public vision and eye health museum to highlight the rich history of medical and surgical eye care, help people understand their own eye health and showcase its collection of more than 38,000 artifacts, books, and instruments.

“For thousands of years, ophthalmology has pushed the envelope, discovering breakthrough innovations to protect sight,” said past president of the AAO, ophthalmologist Dr Stanley Truhlsen, who kicked off fundraising with a US$4 million gift.

The Academy aims to raise another US$9 million for a permanent endowment to run the free museum in the heart of San Francisco. Planned to open in 2020, and designed for visitors of all ages, more than 30,000 people are expected to visit the museum in the first year alone. The AAO says this may include an immersive experience, featuring virtual reality headsets and interactive screens, to allow visitors to explore ophthalmology’s history, its professional visionaries, technological advances, medical breakthroughs, and the latest innovations saving sight today.