Journeyman
Journeyman
Ideal for those at the beginning of their career in optics and vision care looking for extra support.
Image shows 3 new Liverymen from different backgrounds, ages and jobs
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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 young RAF air cadets (ages 11-14) receiving awards from a senior Company official
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Image shows 2 ophthalmic nurses, new members of the Company, with the Clerk and then Master outside the entrance to Moorfields Eye Hospital.
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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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Image shows the Master looking through a small magnifying device, an example of technology that can help people with low vision.
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LEARN MOREThe 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!
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
24 September 2023
The Woolmen’s Annual Sheep Drive
A unique opportunity to exercise one of the oldest and most bizarre rights of all Freemen: herding sheep over London Bridge! There are still two places available for Spectacle Makers for this popular event so contact the office if you're interested.
26 September 2023
City Giving Day: City Walk
An opportunity to raise money for the Lord Mayor's Appeal and learn more about the Historic City of London. Places are limited so please contact the office by 18 September if you are interested.
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.
04 October 2023
Court Luncheon
Booking for the Livery Court Luncheon following the Master's installation opens beginning of August. Liverymen should contact the office for booking information.
10 October 2023
Eye-to-Eye: Meet the New Master
A chance to meet the new Master and ask as many questions as you like! Register by contacting the office. We'll send out the link a few days ahead of the Zoom call.
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.
23 October 2023
Gin Tasting & Walking Tour
A historic gin tasting and walking tour of West End London. Get in touch with Janet Davies before 25th September to book your spot.
14 November 2023
Eye-to-Eye: Frames on Film
Where does the Matrix franchise get their iconic sunglasses? How did Game of Thrones alter the eye colour of its chilling characters? Learn about the craft and practice of producing spectacles and contact lenses for TV, film and theatre in November's Eye-to-Eye. Members can contact the office to register and join.
12 December 2023
December Court Luncheon
Booking for the popular festive lunch will open to Liverymen in early September/late October.
30 January 2024
Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap
The Society have organised a trip to the West End's longest running production! Tickets need to be booked via Amanda Lees (contact details in the members' directory) by Monday 25 September.
23 March 2024
[Sold Out!] Purcell Club Tour
The Society have secured a limited number of tickets for the renowned historical music tour of Westminster Abbey.
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
