The Ophthalmophantome or ‘Eye Phantom’ is so difficult to find that you rarely see these come up for sale. Most are in museums or in private collections. This is the third ‘Eye Phantom’ that I have gotten in after many years of searching. The Augustan style bust is the most desirable of the various types of antique ophthalmo-phantomes, and it was offered by John Reynders & Co., New York, in the 1880s, as illustrated in their catalogue (illustration shown in the last image). This particular head is metal and has been cold painted making it also a unique piece of art. A #8 is imprinted in the back inner top edge. Great age to the paint and oxidation—second to last image shown is an example of it down to the metal (aluminum) as was the first innovation into casting these manikins.

A practicing eye surgeon would place pig eyes or human eyes in the eye openings via eye holders and perform various procedures to prepare to work on a real patient.

The piece does not have the eye holders but is in great condition and makes a certain centerpiece in any serious medical collection.