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Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician is also known as a manufacturing optician, optical mechanic, or optical goods worker. The technician makes prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses according to specifications provided by a dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The laboratory technician cuts, grinds, edges, and finishes lenses. The technician may also insert lenses into the frames to produce finished eyeglasses. Some lenses are still produced by hand however most are made by machines.
The ophthalmic laboratory technician must be able to follow detailed written instructions as supplied by the ophthalmologist. He or she must be able to attend to minute details in adjustments with highly sensitive equipment. The extremely sensitive equipment requires attention to even the slightest changes in pressures and adjustments. The technician is also responsible for inspecting the final product for quality and accuracy. Often the ophthalmic laboratory technician can adjust lens to work with specific frames or prescriptions.
The ophthalmic laboratory technician should be somewhat mechanically inclined as they will be required to maintain and troubleshoot equipment in the laboratory. Since this equipment is usually very sensitive the ability to work with very delicate adjustments in small spaces is an asset. Many ophthalmic laboratory technicians may interact directly with vendors and equipment providers and may be required to make specific recommendations as to equipment and material purchases.
This technician usually works in a clean, well lit, and well ventilated laboratory. The technician has very limited contact with the public but works with other staff in the laboratory or processing area. At times, the technician will wear goggles for eye protection, gloves to handle sharp objects, or masks to avoid inhaling “dust” created by grinding. The technician spends a great deal of time standing. The technician usually works a 40 hour week, though depending on the volume of work may have to work extra hours or some weekends. Small laboratories may hire part time technicians.
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Career RequirementsThere are no specific educational requirements for an ophthalmic laboratory technician other than a high school diploma or equivalent. Some technicians may have a Bachelors degree in a related field such as science or engineering. Accreditation by the National Commission on Orthopic and Prosthetic Education highly recommended for ophthalmic laboratory technicians.
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Job OutlookThough the outlook is for slower than average growth in the number of jobs, the outlook for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is still favorable. This is because employers have difficulty filling trainee positions when more senior employees move into other careers or advance into management positions.
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Career TrackAn ophthalmic laboratory technician with experience may advance into positions of supervision and management within the optical laboratory. In addition some technicians may return to school for additional training to become an ophthalmic dispensing optician.
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CompensationThe median income for this position is around $24,000. Entry level earnings are around $16,500, but this rapidly increases with experience and additional training. The highest paid ophthalmic laboratory technicians with management or supervisory responsibilities may earn up to $38,000 per year.
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