Together with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, which is adjacent to the hospital, it is the oldest and largest centre for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in Europe.

Sir Stewart Duke-Elder founded the Institute of Ophthalmology, formerly the Central London Ophthalmic Hospital in Gray's Inn Road and (now an integral part of University College London), and Sir Harold Ridley, Charles Schepens, and Norman Ashton have carried out research at Moorfields and the Institute.

The primary aim of this charity is to provide supplementary services and equipment for the comfort and well-being of Moorfields' patients and their visitors.

It contributes towards buying much needed technical items for professional use in the hospital's clinics, satellite centres, operating theatres and research laboratories.

[12] Between 1895 and 1927 a series of matrons who had trained at The London Hospital under Eva Luckes ran the nursing department at Moorfields:[13]