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!

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

Upcoming Events

12 August 2025, 2:00 pm

A Visit To The Home of Rugby Union

A Visit to The Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Tuesday 12 August at 2pm.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

26 August 2025, 6:30 pm

The Annual Spectacle Makers’ Quiz

The Spectacle Makers' Quiz, an opportunity to flex your general knowledge, meet other Spectacle Makers and get involved with a friendly competitive spirit. Both Online and in person.

Virtual | Learn more | View all Events

08 September 2025, 6:00 pm

Four Liveries Event 2025: A Night at the Museum

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers invite us to join them and explore their Museum Collection, housed in a special gallery within the world-famous Science Museum in South Kensington, London.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

01 October 2025, 11:30 am

The 2025 Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Rededication

The Annual Service and Installation of the next Master Spectacle Maker and Wardens will take place at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, London on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 11.30am.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

01 October 2025, 12:30 pm

The October 2025 Installation Court Luncheon

Liverymen are invited to book for the Livery Court Luncheon following the installation of the Master and Wardens at St. Bride's.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

29 October 2025, 3:30 pm

Helen Perkins Retirement Celebration

The Master and Wardens will be hosting an "open house" on 29 October to give as many people as possible the opportunity to come and celebrate with our Clerk, Helen Perkins, who will retire on 9 December 2025 after 10 years' service.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

24 November 2025, 6:15 pm

4th Annual Spectacle Makers’ Lecture: When Darkness Threatens Light

In November 2021 Professor Mandeep Sagoo led the London team which fitted a digitally produced, 3-D printed prosthetic eye and transformed the life of their patient. Hear about the latest findings in ocular oncology from one of it leading specialists.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

09 December 2025, 12:30 pm

The December 2025 Court Lunch

Booking will open in October 2025.

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

08 January 2026, 2:30 pm

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Sleeping Beauty at the Palladium Thursday 8 January 2026 at 2.30pm

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

11 March 2026, 12:30 pm

March Court Luncheon 2026

[Bookings for the March 2026 Court Luncheon will open in January 2026.]

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

20 April 2026, 6:00 pm

The 2026 Livery Dinner

[Bookings for the 2026 Livery will open in January 2026.]

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

11 June 2026, 12:30 pm

The June Court Lunch 2026

[Bookings for the June 2026 Court Luncheon will open in late April 2026.]

In Person | Learn more | View all Events

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.

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Corporate Supporters