Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician?

An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician is a specialized professional who creates prescription eyeglass lenses and contact lenses. They work with precision equipment to grind, polish, and finish optical lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Sample job titles:

Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician), Optical Lab Technician (Optical Laboratory Technician), Optical Technician, Surfacing Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$36K per year	$38K per year	$45K per year	$56K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

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What does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians typically work in ophthalmic laboratories, optical goods stores, or healthcare facilities. The environment is detail-oriented and requires handling delicate equipment and materials. Safety protocols are important due to the use of machinery and chemicals.

Quick task list

Interprets optical prescriptions and determines lens specifications.
Operates machinery to grind, polish, and cut lenses.
Inspects lenses for accuracy and quality.
Assembles eyeglasses by fitting lenses into frames.
Maintains equipment and ensures a clean, safe work environment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Prescription Eyeglass Manufacturing: Focusing on creating lenses for eyeglasses based on specific prescriptions.
Contact Lens Fabrication: Specializing in the production of contact lenses, including soft and rigid varieties.
Lens Coating and Finishing: Applying specialized coatings, such as anti-reflective or scratch-resistant layers.
Custom Lens Creation: Producing customized lenses for unique optical needs, such as prismatic lenses or lenses for special visual conditions.
Quality Assurance: Concentrating on inspecting lenses and ensuring they meet industry standards and specifications.

Description

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians combine technical skills with an understanding of optics to produce corrective lenses. They begin by analyzing prescriptions to determine the lens power and specifications needed. Using precision equipment, they grind and polish lenses to the required shape and thickness. Technicians must be meticulous and patient, as the lens grinding process is intricate and demands high precision.

The role requires a good understanding of the materials used in lens-making, such as plastic, polycarbonate, and glass. Technicians must choose the appropriate material based on the prescription and customer needs. They also handle various lens treatments, such as tinting, coating, or edge polishing, to enhance the functionality and durability of the lenses.

Assembling the final product is another critical aspect of the job. This involves fitting lenses into eyeglass frames, ensuring proper alignment, and making adjustments for fit and comfort. Technicians must be detail-oriented to ensure that the final product is free of defects and meets the necessary optical standards.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to improved vision and quality of life for individuals.
The precision and craftsmanship involved in lens-making.
Working with a combination of hands-on skills and technical knowledge.

You might make a good Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician if you are...

Detail-oriented with good manual dexterity.
Interested in working with machinery and technology.
Able to follow precise instructions and technical specifications.
Patient and meticulous in your work.
Fascinated by optics and the science of vision.

Pros:

Steady demand in the healthcare and optical goods industry.
Opportunities for skill development and specialization.
Satisfaction from creating products that improve people's lives.

Cons:

Repetitive tasks and the need for prolonged concentration.
Potential exposure to machinery noise and lens-making materials.
Requires precision and attention to detail, with little room for error.

How to become an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician

Typical education

A high school diploma is generally sufficient, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training. Some technicians may pursue additional certification or training programs in ophthalmic technology.

High school preparation

Courses:

Science courses, particularly physics, to understand optical principles.
Shop or vocational classes for experience with machinery and tools.
Art or design classes to develop an eye for detail and aesthetics.
Mathematics for calculating lens specifications.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a science club or participating in science fairs.
Engaging in activities that require precision and attention to detail, like model building.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community vision care programs.

Preparation after high school

Vocational or technical training in ophthalmic laboratory technology.
Apprenticeships or entry-level positions in optical laboratories for hands-on experience.
Certification programs through organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

More resources

American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) - Provides certification and resources for optical professionals.
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation - Offers information on accredited educational programs in opticianry.
Optical Laboratories Association - Industry association providing resources and standards for optical laboratories.
National Academy of Opticianry - Offers educational materials and courses for opticians and laboratory technicians.

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