Published on 10/10/2024
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Mike Harris in Master's robes and chain
  • Mike Harris studied optometry at Aston University from 1974-1977 before establishing his own community optometry practice in Coventry in 1982
  • The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers received its Royal Charter in 1629 and now represents 35 different professions
  • As Master, Harris will build on the work of his predecessor in promoting multidisciplinary working in eye health

Aston University alumnus Mike Harris has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in the City of London.

Harris studied optometry at Aston University from 1974-77 He qualified as an ophthalmic optician with the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers shortly before the Company co-founded the College of Optometrists in 1980 as the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK. Harris trained in high street and hospital practice and went on to found Michael Harris Opticians, a family practice in Coventry, which he owned and ran until retirement in the summer of 2024.

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is one of 111 livery companies in the City of London (the historic heart and financial district of London), set up to represent a craft, trade or profession. It was founded in 1629 and now its 900 members comprise more than 35 different professions in eye health and sight loss, as well as other professions. The Company’s aim is to support better vision for all, advocating for high quality eye care, supporting charitable donations and bursaries for eye health professionals of the future, and working to increase access to work, sport and culture for people with partial or full sight loss.

Masters are elected for a period of one year to govern the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, leading the Court alongside Wardens, and the Court of Assistants. In his first public speech, Harris said that he was looking forward to building on the work done by his predecessor, orthoptist Liz Tomlin, on multidisciplinary working in eye health. Tomlin now becomes Deputy Master. Harris will also be supported by the Upper Warden, dispensing optician Fiona Anderson, and by optometrist David Baker, who moves into the role of Renter Warden.

As Master, Harris will continue to develop opportunities for conversations about the importance of eye health with leading figures in the City of London.

He said:

“I’ve had a very happy and fruitful long-term connection with the Company, with optometry and with my local community. Aston University turned me from a science-loving school leaver into a professional able to examine eyes and dispense glasses and contact lenses. I was lucky to study with inspirational clinicians and scientists who fed our curiosity, whilst of course having a brilliant time!

“I have enjoyed every moment of the magic art of optometry, combining art and science with an engagement with people. My style has been to have a conversation with patients whilst meeting their visual and eye health needs. My message for the next generation is have those conversations, engage, contribute and help me to deliver the Company’s strategic goals of supporting better vision for all and making sure that nobody is left behind by poor vision.”

Aston University’s School of Optometry is regularly ranked highly by leading national ranking publications, including being ranked second in the UK for both ‘continuation’ and 'graduate prospects - on track' (Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics; Complete University Guide, 2025), fourth overall in the UK for Health Professions (Guardian, 2025) and first in the UK for both ‘student to staff ratio’ and 'continuation' (Health Professions; Guardian, 2025).

Visit the Aston School of Optometry webpages for more information about optometry courses and public eye clinics.

Notes to editors

About Aston University

For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.

Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.

Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.

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