Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician
An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician plays a crucial role in the field of vision care by assisting opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists in crafting and assembling prescription lenses for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices. These technicians typically work in clean, well-ventilated laboratory settings found in doctors' offices, vision centers, and specialized lens-crafting businesses. The job requires a high level of attention to detail, good eyesight, and manual dexterity, as technicians are responsible for reading specifications, selecting materials, and operating automated machinery to produce lenses that meet precise requirements.
Technicians may focus on various specialties, including lens grinding, lens mounting, and contact lens manufacturing. While they generally work 40-hour weeks with limited patient interaction, they must regularly inspect and ensure the quality of their finished products. To enter this profession, a high school diploma is typically required, with many aspiring technicians pursuing further education in fields such as ophthalmic science or clinical technology. The median annual salary for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is approximately $41,180, with job prospects showing little to no change in the coming years.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science, Manufacturing
Interests: Ophthalmology, applied technology, mathematics, clinical science, lab technology
Earnings (Yearly Median): $41,180 per year $19.80 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians assist opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists in improving and facilitating vision. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians work in lab settings that prepare, craft, and assemble prescription lenses for eyeglasses, prescription contact lenses, telescopes, binoculars, and microscopes according to certain specifications.
Work Environment. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians spend their workdays in laboratories located in doctors’ offices, vision centers, hospitals, lens-crafting businesses, and educational facilities. Laboratory conditions tend to be clean and well-ventilated, though they are sometimes loud because of noise from lens grinding machines. Interaction with patients and the public is limited. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians generally work forty-hour weeks or more.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of ophthalmic laboratory technician tend to be intelligent and detail-oriented. Those most successful at the job of ophthalmic laboratory technician have good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, focus, manual dexterity, a strong sense of responsibility, and effective time management skills. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should enjoy spending time in laboratory settings and have a strong background in science.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Job specialization and work environment determine ophthalmic laboratory technicians’ daily occupational duties and responsibilities. Ophthalmic laboratory technician specialties include optical instrument assemblers, lens-mold setters, lens mounters, contact lens lathe operators, precision lens grinders, precision lens centerers, edgers, contact lens blockers and cutters, and precision lens polishers.
During a typical workday, an ophthalmic laboratory technician prepares specialized lenses according to specifications. They begin by reading specifications designed by opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists and determining the materials and equipment needed to achieve the prescription specifications. The ophthalmic laboratory technician then selects and marks up the glass or plastic to be used in the eyeglasses, inspects all glass and plastic lens blanks to detect flaws or imperfections, and cuts and bevels the lenses to fit eyeglass frames. If the customer requests this treatment, permanent dyes are sometimes applied to tint lenses. Automated lens grinders are used to etch the prescribed thickness and curves. The technician must observe the computerized machines, including their gauges and dials, to ensure that devices function correctly and according to specifications throughout the process. They may hand-polish the lenses or use a polishing machine to achieve a smooth finish. Finally, the technician assembles the finished eyeglasses and affixes attachments such as nose and ear pads.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians may also make lenses for telescopes, microscopes, and gun sights, repair broken lenses and frames, or change the appearance of frames, as requested by the customer, using dyes and plastic molding solutions. They must always inspect finished lenses' quality, appearance, and prescription conformance.
In addition, all ophthalmic laboratory technicians are responsible for continuously setting up, calibrating, and cleaning all laboratory equipment and materials.
Lens Mold Setters (713.381-010). Lens mold setters assemble molds for contact lenses using precision measuring instruments.
Lens Mounters II (713.681-010). Lens mounters II mount prescription lenses in metal or plastic frames using hand tools.
Contact Lens Lathe Operators (716.382-010). Contact lens lathe operators use a jeweler’s lathe to cut inside or outside curves in contact lenses.
Precision Lens Grinders (716.382-018). Precision lens grinders set and operate grinders and polishers to make lenses for optical goods.
Precision Lens Centerers and Edgers (716.462-010). Precision lens centerers and edgers run grinders to edge and bevel ophthalmic optical lenses.
Contact Lens Blockers and Cutters (716.681-010). Contact lens blockers and cutters block lens blanks and cut lenses to specified diameters.
Hand Lens Polishers (716.681-018). Hand lens polishers hand polish optical elements to finish or remove defects.
Precision Lens Polishers (716.682-018). Precision lens polishers run polishers on optical elements or lenses.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of ophthalmic laboratory technicians varies by employer and specialization. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians typically spend their workdays in laboratory settings located in doctors’ offices, vision centers, hospitals, lens crafting businesses, and educational facilities.
Human Environment. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians have limited human interaction at work but should be comfortable meeting with laboratory staff and supervisors.
Technological Environment. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians use various hand tools, such as polishing cloths and screwdrivers, and automated machines, such as computerized lens grinding, cutting, etching, and polishing machines. Ophthalmic laboratory technologists should also be comfortable using lens meters, ophthalmic tools similar to microscopes, to verify that the fabricated lens matches the prescription specifications.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as an ophthalmic laboratory technician should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school–level study of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics will provide a strong foundation for college coursework in the field. High school students interested in this career path may benefit from seeking internships or part-time work opportunities that expose the students to laboratory settings and procedures.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming an ophthalmic laboratory technician should work towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in ophthalmic science, clinical sciences, applied technology, or a related field. Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics classes may also be helpful in their future work. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in future job searches by obtaining internships or part-time employment in laboratory settings.
Related Occupations
− Clinical Laboratory Technologist
− Dental Laboratory Technician
− Optician
Bibliography
“Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/production/dental-and-ophthalmic-laboratory-technicians-and-medical-appliance-technicians.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 51-9083 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 23 Aug. 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519083.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.