Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians:Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Eyeglasses are used to treat and correct eye problems like imperfect or blurred vision. The lens of the eyeglasses are used to correct conditions like astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians are specialist of eyeglass lenses. They are also known as optical mechanics, manufacturing opticians and optical good workers. Nowadays, they use computerized technology to grind, edge, cut and finish lenses. They create eyeglass lenses based on the prescription by optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Physics, Geometry, Mechanical Drawing and Algebra are courses in high school that will prepare an applicant to be an ophthalmic laboratory technician. Since most of the lens are made using computerized technology, computer courses will help one to be comfortable in dealing with computers and other technical machinery. Some technicians learn how to manufacture lenses through on-the-job training. They are trained step by step and as they progress, they get more involved in difficult operations. This can take six months up to three years before one can be considered fully skilled. Some applicants are trained through formal apprenticeship programs which are offered in technical and vocational schools. For apprenticeship programs, it usually takes three to four years to complete. Some states would require that ophthalmic laboratory technicians to be licensed. They need to pass the written exam as well as meet the standards of education set by the state.
Skills and Abilities
Manual dexterity is very important in becoming an ophthalmic laboratory technician. A good vision is also essential to make sure that lens are made accurately. They need to be keen on details. Mechanical ability is also recommended since this field would require one to use different laboratory tools in creating the lens.
Duties
There are several duties in the ophthalmic laboratory that they perform when manufacturing eyeglass lenses.
They study the prescription then they select the proper lens fitted for it. Measuring and marking are part of their responsibility before grinding and polishing the lens. At this stage, they operate the machines in the laboratory. They also measure the lens with lensometers and objective lens analyzers to guarantee that lens was made based on the specifications in the prescription.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The average earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technician is $11.89 per hour or $24,470 annually. Some manage their own business and their earnings are based on the profit that they earn per client. Job opportunities in this career especially for large laboratories are small since new technologies and equipment are eliminating some tasks that could be performed manually. There will still be a big demand in eyeglasses since elderly population is growing. Better job opportunities in this field will be in retail shops which manufacture prescription glasses on their own.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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