OPHTHALMIC LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient's eye, improving vision. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians, optometrists or ophthalmologists, and may insert lenses into frames to produce finished glasses.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with workers in other vision care occupations. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are "eye doctors" who examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists also perform eye surgery. Dispensing opticians, who may also do work described here, help patients select frames and lenses, and adjust finished eyeglasses.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians read prescription specifications, then select standard glass or plastic lens blanks and mark them to indicate where the curves specified on the prescription should be ground. They place the lens into the lens grinder, set the dials for the prescribed curvature and start the machine. After a minute or so, the lens is ready to be "finished" by a machine which rotates it against a fine abrasive to grind it and smooth out rough edges. The lens is then placed in a polishing machine with an even finer abrasive, to polish 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.

In small laboratories, technicians usually handle every phase of the operation. In large ones, technicians may specialize in one or more steps, assembly-line style.

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.

Most ophthalmic laboratory technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour week, which may include weekends, evenings and occasionally overtime. Some work part time.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians need to take precautions against the hazards associated with cutting glass, handling chemicals, and working near machinery.

Manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work is essential.

Employers filling trainee jobs prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in science and mathematics are valuable. Nearly all ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their skills on the job. Technician trainees start on simple tasks such as marking or blocking lenses for grinding, then progress to lens grinding, lens cutting, edging, beveling and eyeglass assembly. Depending on the individual's aptitude, it may take up to 6 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.

Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians learn their trade in the Armed Forces. Others attend the few programs in optical technology offered by vocational-technical institutes or trade schools. These programs have classes in optical theory, surfacing and lens finishing, and the reading and applying of prescriptions. Programs vary in length from 6 months to 1 year and award certificates or diplomas.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians can become supervisors and managers. Some technicians become dispensing opticians, although further education or training may be required.

Data on earnings of ophthalmic laboratory technicians are very limited. Earnings vary greatly according to geographical region. Beginning workers often start near the minimum wage and can advance in just a few months. Supervisors and managers can earn substantially more.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians held about 19,000 jobs in 1996. Forty percent were in retail optical stores that manufacture and sell prescription glasses. A little over thirty percent were in optical laboratories. These laboratories manufacture eyewear for sale by retail stores that fabricate prescription glasses, and by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Most of the rest were in optical laboratories that manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars.

Overall employment of ophthalmic laboratory technicians is expected to show little growth through the year 2006. Employment is expected to fall in manufacturing as firms invest in more efficient machinery. On the other hand, employment in retail trade will grow as fast as the average due to rising demand for corrective lenses from retail optical stores that manufacture prescription glasses on the premises and provide fast service.

Fashion, too, influences demand. Frames come in a growing variety of styles and colors—encouraging people to buy more than one pair. Demand is also expected to grow in response to the availability of new technologies that improve the quality and look of corrective lenses, such as anti-reflective coatings and bifocal lenses without the line visible in more traditional bifocals.

Most job openings will arise from the need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Only a small number of job openings will occur in any year because the occupation is small.