Abstract: A head mounted projection display includes an optical path to support near eye projection of the projected images. That is, the projection aperture is placed close to the user's eye. In one implementation, image projectors are located in an image projector compartment located above left and right observation lenses. The projected images are directed down and behind respective observation lenses. Additional optics then redirect the projected images out of the observation lenses. This arrangement provides various advantages. One advantage is that it that allows for reduced forward protrusion of the projector compartment.