Optical Laboratory Technicians (also referred to as optical mechanics) develop spectacle lenses in accordance with prescriptions issued by ophthalmologists and optometrists. They are trained to operate the special grinding machines that are used to cut, grind and polish lenses according to the specifications detailed by the eye medics.

These optical mechanics also make the lenses used in sophisticated optical instruments such as telescopes, microscopes, refractors, and projectors.

The core job tasks of an optical laboratory technician will involve selecting and marking the appropriate lens blanks using lens measuring equipment so as to cut the pieces to a degree of accuracy. Once the lens is cut and polished, the technician will then mount the lens onto the frames whether the spectacle frames are metallic, plastic or rimless.

There is a final inspection to make sure that the product meets the eye medic’s prescription so that any errors can be caught early and adjustments made before the lens are released to the patient or doctor.

Optical lab tech’s also come in handy when a pair of spectacles needs to be repaired – for instance, where one lens is broken or lost. In such instances, the technician can either use the original prescription if it is available or analyze the remaining lens to get the correct calibration for the new lens.

The technician must pay close attention to detail if they are to correctly identify and calibrate the correct lens as per the prescription. The implications of preparing an incorrect set of lens can have negative results including headaches, eye strain and in the worst case, deteriorating eye sight for the patient.

Errors are also hardly afforded when it comes to making lens for highly sensitive equipment such as telescopes and microscopes. Considering the high degree of performance expected of these types of equipment and the implication this would have in the medical and scientific research or laboratory work that they are used for, the lens fitted on the equipment must be to the highest possible degree of precision.

In order to be considered for an optical laboratory technician job, you must have good aptitude in mathematics and science. A strong grasp of key chemistry, biology, geometry, computer science and algebra fundamentals are the building blocks you will need to have a successful career as an optical laboratory technician.

This job does not necessarily require you to possess a college degree – usually, attending a technical training school or relying on on-the-job training programs is the way to go. The training programs provided by technical schools often last between six months and one year. The US military also offers training to soldiers with an interest in this field but of course this requires them to serve in military laboratories for a while before they can pursue a civilian career.

Optical laboratory technicians can be employed in optical laboratories, in retail stores, in an ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s clinic and at a dispensing optician. It is definitely a career worth looking into. I encourage you do more research on the internet if you are interested.

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Author Bio: Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer for Medical Assistants Careers. Get free scholarship report and learn to Become Optical Laboratory Technician by visiting. Affiliated website: Make Extra Money

Category: Career
Keywords: Optical Laboratory Technician,Optical Mechanics,Optical Laboratory Technician Career,Optical Lab Job