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

13 June 2023

"Eye-to-Eye": Meet the Makers 6.30-7.30pm

The first in a "Meet the Makers" series: join us for a live discussion on colour, fit and children's eyewear with leaders from Kirk and Kirk, STEPPER and Exeter Eyewear.  Register with the office for the Zoom link.

Virtual | Learn more

14 June 2023

June Court Luncheon

Booking for the June Court Lunch is now open. The June lunch is a lovely and (normally) sunny opportunity to welcome a new group of Liverymen and catch up with friends before the quieter summer months. Bookings will close on 31 May 2023.

In Person | Learn more

08 September 2023

The Master’s Weekend

Open to Freemen, Liverymen, Journeymen, friends and family. Spend some time with other Spectacle Makers and discover some of Surrey and South-West London with the Master, including Richmond Park and Hampton Court Palace.  Join us for an evening, a day or a whole weekend.  Booking will open in mid-May.

In Person | Learn more

14 September 2023

Annual Presentation Evening

A lovely evening celebrating all Freemen admitted in the last year, a new cohort of Liverymen and the achievements of successful apprentices, bursary and military award winners.  Booking will open in July.

In Person | Learn more

04 October 2023

Annual Service and Installation of the new Master and Wardens

One of the most important dates in our calendar: the Annual Service of Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Rededication will take place at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street.  Guests should take their seats by 11.10 ready for the service to begin at 11.30am. The service is open to all.  The Court Luncheon which follows will open to bookings by Liverymen only, from the end of July.

In Person | Learn more

12 October 2023

The Four Liveries Event: Casting Light on Cataracts

The title of this year's Four Liveries Event is "Casting Light on Cataracts; from Rameses to Robots".  Join 3 Professors as they take us on a journey through science and time and enjoy the company of fellow Liverymen from the Clockmakers, Lightmongers and Scientific Instrument Makers. Booking will open in June.

In Person | Learn more

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