12 October 2026
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers has named David Baker, optometrist and author, as its new master.
The previous master, dispensing optician Fiona Anderson, now becomes deputy master.
Baker graduated from Aston University with a degree in ophthalmic optics and joined his father’s optical practice in New Southgate as a partner, going on to run the practice until its sale in 2024.
He now continues to work part-time as a locum and has been a member of his local optical committee for more than 30 years.
Baker commented: “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.”
In the year ahead, Baker will be supported by Professor Leon Davies, upper warden, and alderman Vincent Keaveny, renter warden.
The master and wardens made their declarations and took office in a candlelit setting in the synagogue at Bevis Marks.
Baker said: “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.”
Reflecting on the purpose of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, he commented: “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.”
Baker has had a parallel career as a freelance writer, writing mostly on optical topics, as well as covering areas including football and cricket.
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 Baker was awarded the Frank Norville Media Prize for Most Interesting New Contributor to Optical Journals.
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