| Optical Laboratory Technicians (also referred to as | | | | Errors are also hardly afforded when it comes to |
| optical mechanics) develop spectacle lenses in | | | | making lens for highly sensitive equipment such as |
| accordance with prescriptions issued by | | | | telescopes and microscopes. Considering the high |
| ophthalmologists and optometrists. They are trained | | | | degree of performance expected of these types of |
| to operate the special grinding machines that are | | | | equipment and the implication this would have in the |
| used to cut, grind and polish lenses according to the | | | | medical and scientific research or laboratory work |
| specifications detailed by the eye medics. | | | | that they are used for, the lens fitted on the |
| These optical mechanics also make the lenses used in | | | | equipment must be to the highest possible degree of |
| sophisticated optical instruments such as telescopes, | | | | precision. |
| microscopes, refractors, and projectors. | | | | In order to be considered for an optical laboratory |
| The core job tasks of an optical laboratory technician | | | | technician job, you must have good aptitude in |
| will involve selecting and marking the appropriate lens | | | | mathematics and science. A strong grasp of key |
| blanks using lens measuring equipment so as to cut | | | | chemistry, biology, geometry, computer science and |
| the pieces to a degree of accuracy. Once the lens is | | | | algebra fundamentals are the building blocks you will |
| cut and polished, the technician will then mount the | | | | need to have a successful career as an optical |
| lens onto the frames whether the spectacle frames | | | | laboratory technician. |
| are metallic, plastic or rimless. | | | | This job does not necessarily require you to possess |
| There is a final inspection to make sure that the | | | | a college degree - usually, attending a technical |
| product meets the eye medic's prescription so that | | | | training school or relying on on-the-job training |
| any errors can be caught early and adjustments | | | | programs is the way to go. The training programs |
| made before the lens are released to the patient or | | | | provided by technical schools often last between six |
| doctor. | | | | months and one year. The US military also offers |
| Optical lab tech's also come in handy when a pair of | | | | training to soldiers with an interest in this field but of |
| spectacles needs to be repaired - for instance, where | | | | course this requires them to serve in military |
| one lens is broken or lost. In such instances, the | | | | laboratories for a while before they can pursue a |
| technician can either use the original prescription if it is | | | | civilian career. |
| available or analyze the remaining lens to get the | | | | Optical laboratory technicians can be employed in |
| correct calibration for the new lens. | | | | optical laboratories, in retail stores, in an |
| The technician must pay close attention to detail if | | | | ophthalmologist's or optometrist's clinic and at a |
| they are to correctly identify and calibrate the | | | | dispensing optician. It is definitely a career worth |
| correct lens as per the prescription. The implications | | | | looking into. I encourage you do more research on |
| of preparing an incorrect set of lens can have | | | | the internet if you are interested. Note: You are free |
| negative results including headaches, eye strain and in | | | | to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is |
| the worst case, deteriorating eye sight for the | | | | that the links should be clickable. |
| patient. | | | | |