1. A compact display device for transmitting an image to a user's eye, the display device comprising: a head-mountable support fixture comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a projection system including a display operative to provide an image, the projection system attached at the first end of the elongated member of the support fixture; and an eyepiece assembly attached to the second end of the elongated member of the support fixture, the eyepiece assembly comprising an axial optical system; wherein the support fixture maintains the projection system and the eyepiece assembly in alignment along an optical path through free space between the projection system and the eyepiece assembly, with the projection system disposed to transmit the image on the optical path and the eyepiece assembly disposed to receive the image from the projection system and to direct the image to the user's eye.