Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Overview
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians create and assemble eyeglasses and contact lenses using precision machinery and hand tools. They cut, grind, and polish lenses to exact specifications, then carefully mount them into frames while ensuring perfect alignment and quality. This hands-on job combines technical skills with attention to detail, as technicians operate specialized equipment like grinding machines and use digital measuring tools to create custom optical solutions. Many technicians work in collaborative lab environments and can pursue certification programs or associate degrees to advance their careers in the growing optical industry.
Did you know?
Most employers prefer or require certification through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE), which involves passing standardized exams.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$40,377.18 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Programming
Key Responsibilities
- Position and adjust cutting tools to specified curvature, dimensions, and depth of cut.
- Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
- Control equipment that coats lenses to alter their reflective qualities.
- Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.
- Assemble eyeglass frames and attach shields, nose pads, and temple pieces, using pliers, screwdrivers, and drills.
- Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.
- Immerse eyeglass frames in solutions to harden, soften, or dye frames.
- Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
- Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
- Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
- Select lens blanks, molds, tools, and polishing or grinding wheels, according to production specifications.
- Remove lenses from molds and separate lenses in containers for further processing or storage.
- Set dials and start machines to polish lenses or hold lenses against rotating wheels to polish them manually.
- Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
- Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
- Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
- Lay out lenses and trace lens outlines on glass, using templates.
- Repair broken parts, using precision hand tools and soldering irons.
Career Considerations
Certification Requirements
Most employers prefer or require certification through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE), which involves passing standardized exams.
Strong Job Growth Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for optical technicians due to America's aging population and increased demand for vision care services.
Patient Communication Skills
Success requires excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse patients in explaining procedures, fitting eyewear, and providing customer service in American healthcare settings.