Theories of vision, optics and magnification, spectacles and telescopes. Humankind has demonstrated a persistent curiosity and drive for understanding and improving the way we see the world and the heavens. In today’s advanced operating theatres, we have the ability to magnify and see the incredibly small, in perfect focus, without shadow or shaking, with the assistance of robotics and augmented reality. Giants of the ancient scientific community built the foundation. Contemporary figures such as Zeiss, Abbe, Nylen and Littman ushered in the modern era of microscopes and brought them to the operating theatre. Countless scientists and surgeons have expanded, modified and improved what operating microscopes are capable of. We also discuss the future directions for the operating microscope.