A switchable privacy display comprises an emissive SLM, a parallax barrier, a switchable LC retarder, and passive retarders arranged between parallel output polarisers. In privacy mode, on-axis light from the SLM is directed without loss, whereas the parallax barrier and retarder layers cooperate to increase the VSL to off-axis snoopers. The display may be rotated to achieve privacy operation in landscape and portrait orientations. In public mode, the LC retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance is increased so that the image visibility is increased for multiple users. The display may also switch between day-time and night-time operation, for example for use in an automotive environment. A low reflectivity emissive display for use in ambient illumination comprises a SLM with emissive pixels, an absorptive parallax barrier and a high spectral leakage optical isolator. Head-on light from the pixels is directed with increased transmission efficiency while ambient light is strongly absorbed.