In the 1980s while employed at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Arol Augsburger, OD conceived of the idea to showcase celebrities who wore glasses to emphasize the importance of good vision in the lives of successful people. He wrote to celebrities asking for a pair of their eyeglasses with a photograph of them wearing them. He received more than 75 responses. While some celebrities only sent an autographed photograph, many sent a photograph, a pair of glasses and often an additional item or two. See a list of some celebrities included in the collection.

Actors/actresses

• Joan Collins
• Phyllis Diller
• Sherman Hemsley

Athletes

• Daniel Ainge
• Arthur Ashe
• Norman Von Nida

Authors

• Stephen King
• Ann Landers
• Charles Schultz
• Lane Smith

Entrepreneurs

• Mary Kay
• Orville Redenbacher
• Colonel Harlan Sanders
• Dave Thomas

Former presidents

• Gerald Ford
• George H. W. Bush

Local Columbus Celebrities

• E. Gordon Gee
• Jack Hanna

Musicians

• Paul Anka
• Jimmy Buffett

The Celebrity Eyewear Collection was displayed in the lobby of the College of Optometry for a number of years but ultimately was removed during a building renovation and donated to the Medical Heritage Center in September 2007. 

The Medical Heritage Center is working with the College of Optometry and former HSL Director Lynda Hartel to expand the collection to include more recent celebrities. We welcome your suggestions of celebrities we should approach to potentially acquire their eyewear. Fill out the survey to share your ideas!