Journeyman
Ideal for those at the beginning of their career in optics and vision care looking for extra support.
Founded in 1629, our purpose is the same now as it was then. We support better vision for all.
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.
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
03 April 2024, 6:30 pm
Liveryman and Professor David O'Brart will give a talk on the global future of eye care and why sustainability will be such a big part of this.
09 April 2024, 10:00 am
A walking tour of Cambridge, followed by a tour of King's College Chapel and lunch in Sydney Sussex College.
16 April 2024, 6:45 pm
This year's Livery Dinner will take place at Stationers' Hall. Booking will open in the first week of February.
01 May 2024, 8:30 am
Booking now open! Join the Spectacle Makers' Golf Society at their Annual Golf Day. Email David Kirk to book.
09 May 2024, 7:00 pm
Join Liveryman and Court Assistant Gwen Rhys for informal drinks in Brackley.
10 May 2024, 12:00 pm
Join the Society for a weekend of cosy dining and historical sightseeing in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Booking can be made by contacting Gaynor Foulkes-Taylor (her email is in the members' directory).
13 May 2024, 6:30 pm
An informative evening aimed at educating the Livery and wider public on the importance of basic and regular eye care.
15 May 2024, 3:30 pm
Wine, cheese & antiques! Liveryman John Dixon Salt has kindly opened his home and will have his antiques collection on display, with optical instruments, objects & other paraphernalia dated as far back as 1750. Cheese, wine & nibbles will be on offer for any Liverymen or Freemen who drops by.
12 June 2024, 12:30 pm
The June Livery Court Luncheon will take place on 12 June 2024. Fingers crossed for sunshine! Booking for Liverymen will open in April.
24 June 2024, 11:30 am
Liverymen with one year's standing can vote for the two Sheriffs of the City of London at Common Hall, Guildhall. There is the option to attend lunch at Barber Surgeons' Hall following the proceedings.
16 July 2024, 7:30 pm
The Household Division presents a military musical spectacular with fireworks, massed bands and horses.
13 September 2024, 11:00 am
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 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.
24 September 2024, 12:30 pm
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
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!
04 December 2024, 12:30 pm
This year's December Court Lunch will be held at Stationers' Hall in the City of London.
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.
Ideal for those at the beginning of their career in optics and vision care looking for extra support.
Applying for Freedom of the Company is the first step to joining a community committed to better vision for all.
An invitation to the Livery, the highest level of membership, is a life long commitment.