Taking viewers on a journey through time to look (pun intended) into the properties of our visual sense and its treatment, Examining the Eye does exactly what it says on the tin and little else. Whether the eye’s structure, abilities, function (or breakdown of) and even an exploratory dive into the mythological eye and how it has and does impact optical treatment, this exhibit feels like a full case study of our arguably most primary sense, in what is a good level of detail for the lay viewer.
Advance knowledge unnecessary but helpful, the collection of sharp implements, lenses and a surprising amount of admittedly beautiful watercolour paintings give this exhibit a depth that goes beyond what may be expected, but fleetingly and without venturing too far from the safety of its anatomical nature. Unafraid of medical jargon that can sometimes leave you skim-reading or rapidly Googling a lengthy term, the exhibit takes no prisoners in its explanations, insightful at times, alienating at others.
Besides an initial wonder of the eye’s structure, this quickly becomes repetitive as you explore a range of optical and ophthalmological conditions, thankfully broken up with interludes from the historical, social or indeed mythological worlds, snapping your attention back to the present and away from a jargon-induced miasma. Explanatory notes are inconsistent in depth, resulting in sections understood and others hopelessly confusing to even attempt to puzzle your way through.
The combination of medical and artistic elements is used well throughout and goes a not insignificant way to separating the exhibit from a textbook entry, with beautiful paintings and illustrations throughout, even if the subject matter may be a little gruesome! The intensity of the rest of the exhibit is mellowed effectively by these stunning inclusions that I would readily display on my own wall and helps to visualise particular elements of the subject matter, free from the intensity of other items on display. Colours jump out at you from across the room and their minimalist appearance, particularly the depiction of choroideremia by Maurice Paterson, is strangely calming after experiments revealing your vision may not be up to par have successfully snapped you wide awake.
Examining the Eye is an effective glance at everything that allows us to see the world we exist within, visualise how this complex system functions and observe how its treatment has changed with us. Recognising its flaws and being aware of the depths you are to examine is essential to notice the beauty conveyed in the cornea or the interests of the iris but is fairly accessible to all and is worth a viewing, even when visiting other areas of the building or the city as your primary focus.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Examining the Eye is on display in Edinburgh’s Surgeons’ Hall Museums until Easter 2025
