IoO officially closes doors

Historic building to be pulled down

The Institute of Optometry (IoO)– historically the London Refraction Hospital – at 56-62 Newington Causeway has officially closed its doors.

The IoO was forced to shut after Southwark local authority gave planning permission for a major redevelopment by Berkeley Homes in Newington Triangle, where it was situated.

“The Institute has been obliged to cease seeing patients at our 100-year-old home, which to our great regret is due for demolition,” said Michael Wolff, chairman of the IoO trustees.

“In the present economic climate, it has not proved feasible to find an alternative location to continue our clinical activities.

“We are naturally aware of our duty of care towards our many long-standing patients, so all of their notes have been transferred to a local independent optometrist who has undertaken to preserve their records in accordance with Association of Optometrists, NHS and GDPR guidelines.

“The trustees of the Institute are also making arrangements so that the charitable funds which the Institute holds will in the future continue to be used in a way which benefits both patients and the optometric profession. Documents explaining the historical legacy of the Institute are now preserved in the BOA Museum of the College of Optometrists.

“The trustees would also like to thank the current practice manager as well as the many loyal members of staff who over the years have worked at the Institute or given of their time to assist in a voluntary capacity,” added Michael.