New Master for WCSM

Mike Harris is a retired optometrist

Mike Harris has been installed as the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM).

Mike qualified with the WCSM in the late 1970s, shortly before the Company co-founded the College of Optometrists. He set up Michael Harris Opticians in Coventry a few years later, after training in High Street and part-time hospital practice.

Having recently retired, Mike said he would now focus on building connections across the Livery and the eye health disciplines that come together within the Company. He will be supported by Upper Warden, Fiona Anderson, a dispensing optician and past ABDO president, and optometrist David Baker, who moves into the role of Renter Warden.

He also says he is looking forward to building on the work done by his predecessor, orthoptist Liz Tomlin, on multidisciplinary working. Liz now becomes Deputy Master. Mike will also be supported by Upper Warden, dispensing optician Fiona Anderson and optometrist David Baker, who moves into the role of Renter Warden.

Mike Harris told the audience at his first Court Luncheon: “I’ve had a very happy and fruitful long-term connection with the Company and with optometry. 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 to the Livery today 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.”

He will continue to develop opportunities for conversations about the importance of eye health with leading figures in the City and looks forward to meeting many members of the 900-strong Livery through the coming year, the WCSM stated.