Journeyman
Journeyman
Ideal for those at the beginning of their career in optics and vision care looking for extra support.
Image shows 9 New Liverymen clothed in December 2023.
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Image shows the Master examining the alignment of a patient's eye as an Orthoptist at St Thomas' Hospital.
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Image shows young RAF air cadets (ages 11-14) receiving awards from a senior Company official
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Image shows two Ophthalmic Nurses receiving their Freedom of the City of London as Spectacle Makers.
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Professor David Mackey delivering the latest Spectacle Makers' Lecture.
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Image shows members of our governing Court & the Clerk (7 women, 9 men) wearing ceremonial gowns of office at an annual Dinner..
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Image shows 4 female eye health professionals in a mock aircraft, discussing eye health in aviation with an RAF instructor.
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13 members of the Court working together at a relaxed meeting.
LEARN MOREThe Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
Supporting better vision for all, since 1629
Sponsor the Master's Abseil Challenge
The Master Liz Shilling will be abseiling from the top of St Thomas' Hospital and raising money for the Spectacle Makers' Charity on Friday 20 September 2024. You can also support her in person on the day.
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!
CURRENT MEMBERS: For all the latest news and information, please click on the Members' Login button at the top of this page
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Upcoming Events
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
The Spectacle Makers’ Presentation Ceremony 2024
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.
20 September 2024, 12:00 pm
The Master’s Abseil Challenge
The Master will abseil down St Thomas' Hospital to raise money for The Spectacle Makers' Charity. Come along and support her from a safe vantage point!
24 September 2024, 12:30 pm
City Walk for City Giving Day
A lunch time guided walk around the Square Mile, led by a seasoned City Guide, in support of The Mayor's Appeal for City Giving Day.
29 September 2024, 11:00 am
The Annual Sheep Drive
Join the Spectacle Makers in this rare opportunity to recreate an ancient London tradition and exercise your right as a Freeman to drive sheep over one of London's bridges!
30 September 2024, 11:15 am
Election of The Lord Mayor
The Election of the Lord Mayor at Common Hall, Guildhall, followed by lunch at Barber Surgeons' Hall.
02 October 2024, 11:15 am
The Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Rededication
The Annual Service and Installation of the next Master Spectacle Maker and Wardens.
02 October 2024, 12:30 pm
The October Court Luncheon
Liverymen are invited to book for the Livery Court Luncheon following the installation of the Master and Wardens at St. Bride's.
04 October 2024, 6:30 pm
Four Liveries Wine Tasting Evening
This year's Four Liveries Event is being organised by the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (WCSIM). The event is open to Liverymen and Freemen of the Spectacle Makers, Clockmakers and LIghtmongers' Companies, as well as WCSIM as hosts. Booking is open from now until 23 September 2024. The cost is £55 per head, inc VAT and is payable directly to WCSIM, by bank transfer.
10 October 2024, 8:00 am
Inter-Livery Golf
Join the Distillers' Company for an Inter-Livery Golf challenge!
12 October 2024, 1:00 pm
Society Tour of the Petrie Museum
Join the Society on a family-friendly tour of UCL's Egyptian & Sudanese collections, open to members, Journeymen, friends and family.
09 November 2024, 10:30 am
Lord Mayor’s Show Day
The Lord Mayor's Show parade is an unmissable spectacle of costumes, music, pageantry and history.
25 November 2024, 6:00 pm
The History, Evolution and Future Prospects of Optical Coherence Tomography
Book now for The Spectacle Makers' Annual Lecture delivered by Professor James G. Fujimoto at the RSM, 1 Wimpole Street W1G 0AE.
05 December 2024, 12:30 pm
December 2024 Court Lunch
[Booking not open.] This year's December Court Lunch will be held at Painters' Hall in the City of London.
08 January 2025, 2:30 pm
Society Pantomime: Robin Hood
Book by 1 June 2024 to secure your place at a classic West End spectacle starring Julian Clary and Jane McDonald.
13 March 2025, 12:30 pm
March 2025 Spring Court Lunch
[Booking opens 10 January 2025]. Put a Spring into your Step at the Spectacle Makers' Spring Court Lunch. Bookings may be made by Liverymen or by Corporate Supporters.
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.
Freeman
Freeman
Applying for Freedom of the Company is the first step to joining a community committed to better vision for all.
Liveryman
Liveryman
An invitation to the Livery, the highest level of membership, is a life long commitment.
Corporate Supporters
