John and Peter Dollond, father and son, were known as the highest quality makers of optical products throughout the middle and latter half of the 18th century and beyond. John Dollond was appointed optician to King George III in 1761. Peter Dollond invented the achromatic lens in 1763. Dollond Opticians would go on for over a century with the family retaining the business into the 20th century.

Dollond telescopes were owned by Admiral Lord Nelson, Captain Cook, Leopold Mozart, Thomas Jefferson and Frederick the Great.