Optical Technician
An Optical Technician is a skilled professional primarily engaged in the preparation and crafting of lenses for prescription eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses. They may also contribute to the production of specialized optical products like telescope and microscope lenses. Typically employed in clean, well-ventilated laboratory settings such as eye doctors' offices, vision centers, and lens-crafting businesses, optical technicians utilize both manual and automated processes to fulfill prescriptions accurately.
This role requires strong attention to detail, good eyesight, and manual dexterity, as technicians must inspect machinery, select materials, and ensure that finished products conform to specifications. The job generally involves a standard workweek, although hours may vary based on the volume of work. Education-wise, entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma, but pursuing an associate's degree in related fields, along with relevant coursework in sciences and mathematics, is beneficial for career advancement.
While the field has a slight projected decline in job opportunities, those who are detail-oriented and enjoy laboratory environments may find this career fulfilling. Safety protocols are essential, as technicians may be exposed to chemicals and machinery.
Optical Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science, Manufacturing
Interests: Ophthalmology, applied technology, mathematics, clinical science, lab technology, patient care
Earnings (Yearly Median): $44,640 per year $21.46 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. Most optical technicians work in laboratories preparing lenses for prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some optical technicians also craft or help manufacture other products, such as telescope lenses, binoculars, microscopes, or military optics. Optical technicians in smaller laboratories typically handcraft the lenses and perform various tasks. In comparison, optical technicians in larger laboratories usually run automated machinery that crafts lenses and tends to process more prescriptions.
Work Environment. Optical technicians spend their workdays in laboratories in eye doctors’ offices, vision centers, hospitals, lens-crafting businesses, and educational facilities. Laboratory conditions tend to be clean and well-ventilated, though there can be loud noise from lens grinding machines. Optical technicians generally work forty hours per week or more, depending on sales volume. Optical technicians may be at risk for job-related injuries such as chemical exposure and machine accidents.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of optical technician tend to be intelligent and detail-oriented. Those most successful at the job of optical technician display good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, focus, manual dexterity, responsibility, and effective time management. Optical technicians should enjoy spending time in laboratory settings and have a strong background in science.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Optical technicians may begin their day by inspecting automated machines to ensure they are functioning correctly and reading eyeglass and contact lens prescription specifications prepared by opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists. They determine the materials and equipment needed to achieve the prescription specifications. They then select and mark up the glass or plastic used in the finished product. Optical technicians use several techniques and perform several tasks to produce the completed lenses and frames. They cut and bevel the lenses to fit the eyeglass frames and etch the prescribed thickness and curves using an automated lens grinder. They may also tint lenses or use dyes and plastic molding solutions to change the appearance of frames, as requested by the customer. Optical technicians also repair broken lenses and frames.
Finishing the lenses or eyeglasses includes checking the work to confirm it has been completed properly and according to the prescription and other instructions. The optical technician may assemble the finished eyeglasses, including attachments like the nose and ear pads; inspect the quality, appearance, and prescription conformance of finished lenses; and polish lenses manually or mechanically to achieve a smoother finish.
In addition, all optical technicians are responsible for continuously setting up, calibrating, and cleaning all laboratory equipment and materials.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The primary physical environment of optical technicians varies based on their employer and specialization. Optical technicians spend their workdays in laboratory settings in eye doctors’ offices, vision centers, hospitals, lens-crafting businesses, and educational facilities.
Human Environment. Optical technicians have limited contact with the public at work but should be comfortable meeting with laboratory staff, supervisors, and eye doctors.
Technological Environment. Optical technicians use various hand tools, such as polishing cloths and screwdrivers, and automated machines, such as computerized lens grinding, cutting, etching, and polishing machines. Optical technicians should also be comfortable using a lensometer, an optical tool similar to a microscope, 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 optical technician should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics classes will provide a strong foundation for college-level work in the field. Students interested in this career path may seek internships or part-time jobs that expose them to laboratory settings and procedures.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming optical technicians should earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting, optical science, clinical sciences, applied technology, or a related field. Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics coursework may also be helpful in their future work. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in future job searches through internships or part-time laboratory work.
Related Occupations
− Ophthalmic 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 2022: 51-9083 Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519083.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.