The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

Supporting better vision for all, since 1629

We are the only City of London Livery company dedicated to eye health.

We are the oldest existing optical body in the world.

Founded in 1629, our purpose is the same now as it was then. We support better vision for all. 

In the 21st Century we believe that nobody should be held back because of their vision.

 Today, you do not have to be involved in making spectacles to join our Company. Our members represent over 35 different professions in eye health, sight loss and many other fields. Through them, our reach spreads out from the City of London, right across the world. 

We seek to inspire future generations committed to visionary eye care, building on our rich heritage of almost 400 years.

We’re interested in everything that can be done to prevent unnecessary sight loss and increase access to work, sport and culture for people with partial or full sight loss. 

Rooted in tradition, we bring the best of our experience to bear on the continuing need for eye health provision, helping education, employment, life and leisure. 

To find out more, click below – or, even better, come and join us!

Find out more



CURRENT MEMBERS: For all the latest news and information, please click on the Members' Login button at the top of this page

Upcoming Events

20 March 2024, 3:00 pm

Society Crazy Golf!

Whether you're a keen crazy golfer or a complete novice, the Spectacle Makers' Society invites Freemen, Journeymen and Liverymen to join them for crazy golf under the arches at Borough Market! Plonk has a 9 hole crazy golf course, as well as retro arcade machines and pool tables.

23 March 2024, 4:45 pm

[Sold Out!] Purcell Club Tour

The Society have secured a limited number of tickets for the renowned historical music tour of Westminster Abbey.

03 April 2024, 6:00 pm

Eye-to-Eye: Sustainability in Eye Care

Liveryman and Professor David O'Brart will give a talk on the global future of eye care and why sustainability will be such a big part of this.

09 April 2024, 10:00 am

Society Day out in Cambridge [SOLD OUT]

A walking tour of Cambridge, followed by a tour of King's College Chapel and lunch in Sydney Sussex College.

16 April 2024, 6:45 pm

The 2024 Livery Dinner

This year's Livery Dinner will take place at Stationers' Hall. Booking will open in the first week of February.

01 May 2024, 8:30 am

Annual Golf Day

Booking now open! Join the Spectacle Makers' Golf Society at their Annual Golf Day. Email David Kirk to book.

09 May 2024, 7:00 pm

Local Gathering: Brackley

Join Liveryman and Court Assistant Gwen Rhys for informal drinks in Brackley.

10 May 2024, 12:00 pm

Society Belfast Weekend

Join the Society for a weekend of cosy dining and historical sightseeing in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Booking can be made by contacting Gaynor Foulkes-Taylor (her email is in the members' directory).

13 May 2024, 6:30 pm

Livery Eye Health Event

An informative evening aimed at educating the Livery and wider public on the importance of basic and regular eye care.

15 May 2024, 3:30 pm

Local gathering in Worthing

Wine, cheese & antiques! Liveryman John Dixon Salt has kindly opened his home and will have his antiques collection on display, with optical instruments, objects & other paraphernalia dated as far back as 1750. Cheese, wine & nibbles will be on offer for any Liverymen or Freemen who drops by.

12 June 2024, 12:30 pm

June 2024 Livery Court Luncheon

The June Livery Court Luncheon will take place on 12 June 2024. Fingers crossed for sunshine! Booking for Liverymen will open in April.

16 July 2024, 7:30 pm

Horse Guards Parade

The Household Division presents a military musical spectacular with fireworks, massed bands and horses.

13 September 2024, 11:00 am

The Master invites you to the South Downs

The Master, Liz Shilling, invites members to join her for one or more activities taking advantage of The Great Outdoors. On Friday 13 September there will be a private tour, tasting and lunch at a Sussex vineyard; on Saturday 14 September members can join us at the fabulous West Dean College and Gardens, near Chichester, for a tour of the house and gardens and/or a picnic lunch. A form listing the options available will be sent to all members in January 2024.

19 September 2024, 5:30 pm

Presentation Ceremony

The Annual Spectacle Makers' Presentation Ceremony for award winners, new Liverymen and Freemen who have joined the Company in the last year. Those who are invited will receive an invitation from the Clerk.

04 December 2024, 12:30 pm

December 2024 Court Lunch

This year's December Court Lunch will be held at Stationers' Hall in the City of London.

Membership

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is an open company, which means we welcome members with professional backgrounds beyond the vision care and sight loss sectors.

Journeyman

Journeyman

Ideal for those at the beginning of their career in optics and vision care looking for extra support.

Find out more >

Freeman

Freeman

Applying for Freedom of the Company is the first step to joining a community committed to better vision for all.

Find out more >

Corporate Supporters