Working as an ophthalmic laboratory technician

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians go by many titles; some prefer the label of optical mechanic, others go by optical goods worker, and both manufacturing optician and precision optical fabrication technician are potential labels, as well. While this may be a job of many names, the basic duty of all these workers is pretty much the same: make lenses and eyeglasses.

What they do:

As mentioned above, the core function of all ophthalmic laboratory technicians is to make lenses and eyeglasses, though there are some variations in the materials they produce. The type of lenses can vary greatly. Take prescription eyeglass lenses, for example: some sets must be made for nearsighted patients, and others made for farsighted patients. A large quantity of lenses produced are contact lenses, though some ophthalmic laboratory technicians focus on precision lenses for other types of optical instruments, such as telescopes, microscopes, cameras or binoculars.

When making a lens, an ophthalmic laboratory technician must first read and study the prescription, then use that knowledge to choose the standard glass or plastic lens blank that they will work with. After they indicate where the curves should be ground into the lens, the process is pretty standard: cut, grind, edge and polish until they are finally ready to finish the crafting of the lens.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians generally have little to no contact with the public, and usually work in a clean, well-lit and well-ventilated workshop setting. Most technicians work standard 9-to-5, 40-hour weeks. For many workers, much of that time is spent standing up.

What they need:

People aspiring to be an ophthalmic laboratory technician typically do not require a bachelor's degree, as a high school degree is, in most cases, enough to get started. This is largely due to the fact that nearly all tasks are learned through training while on the job. There is, however, formal training that can make a candidate even more attractive to employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2008, there were two such recognized by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA). Others learn the craft while serving in the armed forces.

There are a number of skills necessary for a successful ophthalmic laboratory technician. Given the precision that must be coordinated, having above-average to superb hand and finger dexterity is very important. Similarly, it's also important to possess arm and hand steadiness, as lenses must be held in a firm position most of the time. Having good near vision -- being able to precisely see details of objects at close range -- is also vital.

What they earn:

The average salary for an ophthalmic laboratory technician is $28,908, according to CBsalary.com. The 25^th and 75^th percentiles of salaries fall between $23,497 and $41,132, respectively.

Job outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is higher than average, largely because the number of people seeking the position is low. Employment for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is expected to grow 15 percent from 2008 to 2018.