The Institute of Optometry

The London Refraction Hospital (LRH) was formed in October 1922, the first institute of its kind in the world.

[2][3] The LRH was enlarged and re-modelled in October 1928 and re-opened in February 1929 by the Rt.

[1] The second Lord Charnwood was active in the management of the London Refraction Hospital after the second world war.

[4] In 1985, it was suggested by Rishi Agarwal in 'Optometry Today' that in addition to making efforts for a Royal College of Optometrists, efforts should also be made for a Royal status for the LRH.

This was the first professional doctorate in optometry by that description offered in the UK, that was distinct from a traditional PhD.