Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Print
Code: 51-9083.00

Description : Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

JobTitles : Lab Technician, Optical Technician, Surfacing Technician, Finishing Lab Technician, Lens Grinder and Polisher, Optical Lab Technician, Grinder, Edger Technician, Line Operator, Polisher

Tasks:
  • Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.
  • Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
  • Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
  • Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
  • Assemble eyeglass frames and attach shields, nose pads, and temple pieces, using pliers, screwdrivers, and drills.
  • Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
  • Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
  • Select lens blanks, molds, tools, and polishing or grinding wheels, according to production specifications.
  • Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.
  • Set dials and start machines to polish lenses or hold lenses against rotating wheels to polish them manually.