Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Description OES Code: 89917
Ophthalmic Laboratory Techicians, also known as manufacturing opticians, precision optical fabrication technicians, optical mechanics, or optical goods workers, make prescription eyeglass lenses. Some Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.10
25th Percentile $8.67
50th Percentile $11.40
75th Percentile $15.07

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour week, which may include weekends, evenings, or occasionally, some overtime. Some work part time.

Most full-time Technicians receive medical insurance, vacation pay, paid holidays, sick leave, and eye-care programs. Larger firms often also offer profit sharing and pension plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 2,600
Projected Employment 2008 3,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 23.1%
Separations 1998-2008 400

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
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.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians need to take precautions against the hazards associated with cutting glass, handling chemicals, and working near machinery. Eye-strain can also occur from doing precision work such as this.

Advancement
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians can become supervisors and managers in larger labs. Some Technicians become Dispensing Opticians, although further education or training is generally required. In larger establishments there are more supervision opportunities as the plant is often divided into inspection, generating (grinding), and layout (optical centering of lenses) departments. In smaller shops advancement may consist of increases in salary. Occasionally, Technicians start their own businesses.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. About one third of workers are employed in retail optical stores that manufacture and sell prescription glasses, and another third work in optical laboratories. The remainder work in optical goods wholesalers or in optical laboratories that manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars.

Private firms are listed in the yellow pages under Optical Goods, Opticians - Dispensing, and Optometrists.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Nearly all Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians learn their skills on the job. Employers filling trainee jobs prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Courses in science, mathematics, and computers are valuable.

Technician trainees producing lenses by hand start on simple tasks such as marking or blocking lenses for grinding, then progress to lens grinding, cutting, edging, and beveling, and eyeglass assembly. Depending on individual aptitude, it may take up to 6 months to become proficient in all phases of the work.

Skills & Other Requirements
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position.
* Manual Dexterity - Quickly making coordinated movements of one hand, a hand together with its arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
* Finger Dexterity - Making precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
* Near Vision - Seeing details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
* Control Precision - Quickly and repeatedly making precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine to exact positions.
* Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
* Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
* Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
* Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

References
California Occupational Guide #97

Related Occupations: Dental Assistants, Dispensing Opticians

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)