The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers - Supporting the prevention and treatment of vision impairment since 1629

We are apolitical, multi-disciplinary and multi-professional

The Ruskell medal, awarded annually for breakthrough research in vision science

The Spectacle Makers' Charity helps the helpers, like these ophthalmic nurses, as well as vision impaired people themselves.

Encouraging young people to pursue the wide range of careers in optics.

Eye to Eye, Frank Norville makes a point

Engaging with the profession, hosting discussions, generating debate

A voice for optics in the City and a place to meet and make friends

Supporting the prevention and treatment of vision impairment since 1629

We are a City Livery Company, founded by Royal Charter in 1629. Our purpose – to support the prevention and treatment of vision impairment – has remained the same for almost four centuries.

Each generation brings new developments and new ways of tackling vision problems. Our membership ranges from those still in training in the optical professions through to world-leading experts in ophthalmology and vision science. Through those members, and our accredited examinations for optical assistants and technicians, we remain at the heart of a craft that every day change people’s lives.

Click here to see more about the Company and its members.

About The Worshipful company of Spectacle Makers

About Us

A thriving and friendly Livery Company which remains relevant and firmly in touch with its craft.

History

Founded in 1629, we are 60th in the order of precedence of City of London Livery Companies.

Charitable Work

Through small grants to charities and bursaries for those starting their optical education, we help others to help fight visual impairment.

Qualifications & Education

From level 2 qualifications to our Crook gold medal for lifetime commitment to research, we support learning across the optical sector.

News & Events

Jan
12-14

100% Optical, 12-14 January 2019

Join us at 100% Optical! Our session is on Sunday at 1pm, held on the Main Stage, entitled "Inherited Retinal Dystrophies".

https://www.100percentoptical.com/

Jan
28

Postal Museum & Mail Rail, Mon 28 Jan 19

A visit to the Postal Museum and ride on the Mail Rail.

**SOLD OUT**

Feb
21

Household Calvary Museum, 21 Feb 19

We have organised a guided tour of The Household Cavalry Museum. Highlights include watching the Garrison Inspection & seeing the horses. Please email Sue Haig-Brown to book.

Mar
12

Court Luncheon, Tues 12 March 2019

Details to follow in due course.

Mar
15-16

Spectacle Making, 15/16 March 19

On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 March, Cubitts has offered for 2 groups of 8 to visit his workshop & attend a Spectacle Making Class in King's Cross in London. Please contact Sue Haig-Brown for details.

Mar
20

BBC Media City, Salford, 20 Mar 19

The Spectacle Makers' Society have a trip to BBC MediaCityUK in Salford on Wednesday 20th March 2019.

Apr
1

Medieval Wine Walking Tour, April 2019

In April we have organised to attend Matthew Green's Medieval Wine Walking Tour of London. This will be co-ordinated by Janet Davies who will send out more information closer to the time.

Apr
23

Livery Dinner, Tuesday 23 April 2019

To be held at Goldsmiths' Hall. Details to follow.

May
1

Weekend in Portmeirion, May 2019

In May we are heading to Wales for a weekend away in Portmeirion. Gaynor Faulkes-Taylor will be in touch with more information about this shortly.

Jun
4

Court Luncheon, Tues 4 June 2019

Details to follow in due course.

Sep
6-8

Master's Weekend, 6-8 September 2019

Information on the Master's Weekend, to be held in the Scottish Borders, will be sent out via email in early 2019.

Sep
12

4 Liveries Lecture, Thurs 12 Sept 19

2019 is the turn of the Spectacle Makers to host the Four Liveries Lectures. Full details are being finalised!

Oct
2

Common Hall, Weds 2 October 2019

Common Hall at Guildhall, the chance for Liverymen to cast their vote for the Lord Mayor.

Oct
2

Annual Service & Court Dinner, 2 Oct 19

A change to the normal format sees the Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance & Rededication at St Bride's at 5pm, then Apothecaries' Hall for the Installation Dinner to follow.

Oct
17