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

The Spectacle Makers' Master and Visiting Masters.

The Spectacle Makers’ Company gives the world of optics a voice in the City of London.

Kellianne Hoskin receives the Arthur Sinclair prize

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

Jun
23

Visit to the Brighton Sewers

A tour of the Brighton Sewers is being held on 23 June. Freemen and Liverymen welcome, along with guests. ***This event is now sold out***

Jul
11

Roam in Roman Chester, 11 July 2018

Day trip to Chester including a boat trip, lunch and a Centurion-guided walking tour. £45 per head. Friends and guests welcome.

Jul
17

Four Liveries' Lecture, 17 July 2018

This year it's the turn of The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers to host the Four Liveries Lecture. Come and join Lightmongers, Scientific Instrument Makers, Clockmakers and Spectacle Makers in the City.

Sep
7-9

Master's Weekend, 7-9 September 2018

The Master’s Weekend in Winchester. Participants may arrive on Friday or Saturday and should find their own accommodation. The weekend will include a black-tie dinner in the Winchester Guildhall on Saturday, £90pp.

Oct
3

Annual Service & Court Lunch, 3 October

Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance & Rededication at St Bride’s, Fleet Street (all welcome) followed by the Court Luncheon at Apothecaries’ Hall (Liverymen only)

Oct
31

Visit to the Foundling Museum, date TBC

Tour of the Foundling Museum (11.30am) plus optional lunch at a nearly Italian restaurant. Closest tube stations Russell Square, King's Cross St Pancras and Euston.

Nov
1