New Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

New Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

David Baker, optometrist and author, takes office

Optometrist and author David Baker was installed on Wednesday 30 September 2026 as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

David was born in London and attended The Latymer School, Edmonton, then graduated from Aston University with a degree in Ophthalmic Optics (Optometry). In 1994 he joined his father’s optical practice in New Southgate as a partner, eventually running the practice until its sale in 2024. He now continues to work part-time as a locum. He has been a member of his Local Optical Committee for over thirty years.

He has had a parallel career as a freelance writer, writing mostly on optical topics but also covering football, cricket, and themes of general interest. He has published two books: How Glasses Caught a Killer and Other Stories of How Optics Changed the World and Window of the Soul: A Brief Exploration of the Human Eye. In 2010 he was awarded the Frank Norville Media Prize for Most Interesting New Contributor to Optical Journals.

The previous Master, dispensing optician Fiona Anderson, now becomes Deputy Master.

David will also be supported this year by Professor Leon Davies (Upper Warden) and Alderman Vincent Keaveny (Renter Warden). The Master and Wardens made their Declarations and took office in the candlelit setting of the Synagogue at Bevis Marks.

David says: “After a career spent examining sight and writing about how optics has changed the world, it’s the privilege of my lifetime to have been installed as Master Spectacle Maker.

“This was the first time in nearly four centuries that the annual Installation took place in a synagogue. I was deeply moved to be able to honour my heritage in this way.

“While times change, our purpose remains the same. We believe that nobody should be held back by their vision. That’s as true today as it was when we were founded in 1629.”