Dr Neil Handley, a scientific and medical historian, has been Curator of the British Optical Association Museum at the College of Optometrists for over 25 years. He is internationally known for his knowledge of the history of spectacles, other vision aids, the eye care professions and their associated manufacturing industries and was the author of the book ‘Cult Eyewear', a study of designer branded glasses, in 2011.

His PhD was in the History of Art and his research interests include the development of oriental spectacles and the historic use of plastics materials. He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, a former chairman of the London Museums of Health & Medicine, a Past President of the Ocular Heritage Society of America and is the current chairman of the Scientific Instrument Society.