ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 1268
http://www.s-gabriel.org/1268
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From: "S Friedemann" 
22 Sep 1998

Greetings from the Academy of Saint Gabriel!

You wanted to know when and where eyes were used as heraldic charges in
period, and asked if we could supply books in which you could reference its
use.  Here is the information we have found.

We have found eyes used in coats of arms across western Europe, from
Amsterdam through France to Catalonia. [1]  The only example that we have a
date for is a coat from Luxembourg/Flanders, in 1606. [2]  However, we feel
that eyes would be acceptable charges for 16th century or later heraldry,
particularly if used on canting arms. [3]  The two sources listed below are
accepted references that you can use.

We hope that this letter has been useful to you, and that you will not
hesitate to write again if any part was unclear or if you have further
questions.  Research and commentary on this letter was provided by Zenobia
Naphtali, Talan Gwynek, and Arval Benicoeur.

For the Academy,
--Aryanhwy Prytydes merch Catmael
     September 22, 1998

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References:

[1] Woodward, John and George Burnett, _A Treatise on Heraldry British and
Foreign_ (Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle, 1969).

[2] Rietstap, J.B., _Armorial General_, Amsterdam, G. Theod. Bom. 1875.

[3] Canting is the common heraldic practice of using a charge in your arms
because its name sound similar to your own surname.  Many of the more
unusual charges found in period arms were most often used for canting.