Median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians were $10.46 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $8.73 and $13.05 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.56, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $16.40 an hour. In 2002, median hourly earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians were $10.68 in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing and $10.15 in health and personal care stores.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians—also known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers—make prescription eyeglass or contact lenses. Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient’s eye, improving his or her vision. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists and may insert lenses into frames to produce finished glasses. Although some lenses still are produced by hand, technicians are increasingly using automated equipment to make lenses.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are “eye doctors” who examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery. Dispensing opticians, who also may do the work of ophthalmic laboratory technicians, help patients select frames and lenses, and adjust finished eyeglasses. (See the statement on physicians and surgeons, which includes ophthalmologists, as well as the statements on optometrists and opticians, dispensing, elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians read prescription specifications, select standard glass or plastic lens blanks, and then mark them to indicate where the curves specified on the prescription should be ground. They place the lens in the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature, and start the machine. After a minute or so, the lens is ready to be “finished” by a machine that rotates it against a fine abrasive, to grind it and smooth out rough edges. The lens is then placed in a polishing machine with an even finer abrasive, to polish it to a smooth, bright finish.
Next, the technician examines the lens through a lensometer, an instrument similar in shape to a microscope, to make sure that the degree and placement of the curve are correct. The technician then cuts the lenses and bevels the edges to fit the frame, dips each lens into dye if the prescription calls for tinted or coated lenses, polishes the edges, and assembles the lenses and frame parts into a finished pair of glasses.
In small laboratories, technicians usually handle every phase of the operation. In large ones, in which virtually every phase of the operation is automated, technicians may be responsible for operating computerized equipment. Technicians also inspect the final product for quality and accuracy.
.
Overall employment of ophthalmic laboratory technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, reflecting the increasing use of automated machinery. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or who leave the labor force. Only a limited number of job openings will be created each year, because the occupation is small.
Demographic trends make it likely that many more Americans will need vision care in the years ahead. Not only will the population grow, but also, the proportion of middle-aged and older adults is projected to increase rapidly. Middle age is a time when many people use corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons usually require more vision care than others.
Fashion also influences demand. Frames come in a variety of styles and colors, encouraging people to buy more than one pair. Demand is expected to grow as well in response to the availability of new technologies that improve the quality and look of corrective lenses, such as antireflective coatings and bifocal lenses without the line that is visible in traditional bifocals.
.
Nearly all ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their skills on the job. Employers filling trainee jobs prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in science, mathematics, and computers are valuable; manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential.
Technician trainees producing lenses by hand start on simple tasks, such as marking or blocking lenses for grinding, and then progress to grinding, cutting, edging, and beveling lenses, and, finally, to assembling the eyeglasses. Depending on individual aptitude, it may take up to 6 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.
Technicians using automated systems will find computer skills valuable. Training is completed on the job and varies in duration, depending on the type of machinery and the worker’s aptitude.
A very small number of ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their trade in the Armed Forces or in the few programs in optical technology offered by vocational-technical institutes or trade schools. These programs have classes in optical theory, surfacing and lens finishing, and the reading and applying of prescriptions. Programs vary in length from 6 months to 1 year and award certificates or diplomas.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians can become supervisors and managers. Some become dispensing opticians, although further education or training generally is required in that occupation.
.Workers in other precision production occupations include dental laboratory technicians; opticians, dispensing; orthotists and prosthetists; and precision instrument and equipment repairers.
For a list of accredited programs in ophthalmic laboratory technology, contact:
State employment service offices can provide information about job openings for ophthalmic laboratory technicians.
Significant Points Most learn their skills through on-the-job training. Technicians have limited contact with the public. In small laboratories, technicians often handle every phase of the operation. Working Conditions Most ophthalmic laboratory technicians work a 40-hour week, including evening and weekend shifts. Employment Ophthalmic laboratory technicians held about 23,000 jobs in 1998 in the United States and approximately 1,050 jobs in Pennsylvania.
Summary of: http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=140&q=191957
They put lenses in eyeglass frames and carry out related tasks involved in preparing corrective eyewear. While most of this work today is done by automated equipment, some technicians still cut and grind lenses by hand. Once the lenses are ground, they are finished by a machine that rotates the lens against an abrasive surface to smooth out the rough edges. Ophthalmic technicians grind lenses for corrective eyewear. Join the Race to the GED Looking for higher education.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/Print/K-O/OphthalLabTechs.shtml
OPHTHALMIC LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, also known as manufacturing opticians, precision optical fabrication technicians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers, make prescription eyeglass lenses. Some Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Place the lens into the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature, and start the machine. Although some lenses are still produced by hand, Technicians increasingly use automated equipment to make lenses. WHAT SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/Opthalmic.HTM
They put lenses in eyeglass frames and carry out related tasks involved in preparing corrective eyewear. While most of this work today is done by automated equipment, some technicians still cut and grind lenses by hand. Once the lenses are ground, they are finished by a machine that rotates the lens against an abrasive surface to smooth out the rough edges. Ophthalmic technicians grind lenses for corrective eyewear. Join the Race to the GED Looking for higher education.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/K-O/OphthalLabTechs.shtml
Nearly all ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their skills on the job. The number of job openings will be low because the occupation is small and slow growth in employment is expected. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. In small laboratories, technicians usually handle every phase of the operation.
Summary of: http://guide.symplicity.com/resources/profession_article.php?id=285
Some manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient's eye, improving vision. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. Dispensing opticians, who may also do work described here, help patients select frames and lenses, and adjust finished eyeglasses. Nonetheless, most job openings will come from the need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Summary of: http://senior.billings.k12.mt.us/jobs/OOHB0257.htm
Only a limited number of job openings will be created each year, because the occupation is small. Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient’s eye, improving his or her vision. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. At times, technicians wear goggles to protect their eyes, and they may spend a great deal of time standing.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos239.htm
Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. This title represents a group of more specific occupations. For additional information, please select one of the specific occupations below.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/51-9083.00