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.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations, such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, and dispensing opticians, as they do not examine eyes, diagnose or treat vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, or help patients select frames and lenses.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians perform the following tasks to make eyeglass lenses:

• Read prescription specifications.
• Select standard glass or plastic lens blanks and mark them to indicate where the curves specified on the prescription should be ground.
• Place the lens into the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature, and start the machine.
• Grind and edge glasses with machine that rotates glasses against a fine abrasive.
• Finish lenses with a polishing machine with a finer abrasive, polishing 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 the degree and placement of the curve is 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.

Although some lenses are still produced by hand, Technicians increasingly use automated equipment to make lenses.

In small laboratories, Technicians usually handle every phase of the operation. In large ones, Technicians may be responsible for operating computerized equipment where virtually every phase of operation is automated. Technicians also inspect the final product for quality and accuracy.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians require and use the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position.
• Manual Dexterity - Quickly making coordinated movements of one hand, a hand together with its arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Finger Dexterity - Making precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
• Near Vision - Seeing details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Control Precision - Quickly and repeatedly making precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine to exact positions.
• Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians work in relatively clean and well-lighted laboratories and have limited contact with the public. Surroundings are relatively quiet despite the humming of machines. At times, Technicians wear goggles to protect their eyes, and may spend a great deal of time standing.

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians need to take precautions against the hazards associated with cutting glass, handling chemicals, and working near machinery. Eye-strain can also occur from doing precision work such as this.

According to the Opticians Association of America, so far there has been little or no unionization of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.

The following information is from the occupational projections produced by the Employment Development Department’s Labor Market Information Division:

The number of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians is projected to grow at about an average pace compared with all occupations between the years 1998 and 2008. Between 1990 and 1998, the number of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians working in California more than doubled, growing from 1,280 to 2,600 workers.

What is not known is how the advent of laser vision correction surgery will affect the demand of this occupation. Regardless, baby boomers will increasingly require glasses or contacts for age-related vision problems, which should increase the demand for these workers in coming years.