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Occupation AtlasOphthalmic Laboratory Technicians

O*NET · 51-9083.00

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

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.

Also called Artificial Glass Eye Maker · Artificial Plastic Eye Maker · Bench Hand · Benchroom Shop Optician · Bevel Polisher · Beveler · Contact Lens Blocker · Contact Lens Blocker and Cutter
73 more

Contact Lens Cutter · Contact Lens Lathe Operator · Contact Lens Manufacturer · Contact Lens Technician · Cylinder Grinder · Cylinder Worker · Diamond Grinder · Dotter · Driller · Edge Grinder · Edger · Edger Technician · Eyeglass Assembler · Eyeglass Cutter · Eyeglass Lens Cutter · Eyeglass Maker · Finishing Lab Technician · Glass Cutter · Glass Frame Fitter · Glass Silverer · Hand Glass Cutter · Hand Lens Polisher · Hospital Lab Technician · Hospital Laboratory Technician (Hospital Lab Technician) · Lab Technician · Lab Technician (Laboratory Technician) · Lens Cementer · Lens Coating Technician · Lens Cutter · Lens Dotter · Lens Edger · Lens Fabricating Machine Tender · Lens Finisher · Lens Generator · Lens Grinder · Lens Grinder and Polisher · Lens Maker · Lens Mold Setter · Lens Mounter · Lens Polisher · Lens Shaper Grinder · Lens Silverer · Line Operator · Ophthalmic Technician · Optical Coating Technician · Optical Element Coater · Optical Goods Drill Operator · Optical Goods Drilling Machine Operator · Optical Goods Optician · Optical Instrument Assembler · Optical Lab Technician · Optical Lab Technician (Optical Laboratory Technician) · Optical Laboratory Mechanic · Optical Laboratory Specialist · Optical Mechanic · Optical Technician · Optical Worker · Optician · Polisher · Precision Lens Centerer and Edger · Precision Lens Generator · Precision Lens Grinder · Precision Lens Polisher · Precision Optical Goods Worker · Prescription Eyeglass Maker · Prism Measurer · Spectacle Truer · Spotter · Surface Room Shop Optician · Surface Technician · Surfacer · Surfacing Technician · Test Technician

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Office Machine Operators, Except Computer

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.37
  • C Conventional4.13
  • I Investigative2.87
  • S Social1.90
  • A Artistic1.70
  • E Enterprising1.37

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma5%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent56%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses15%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7%
  • Bachelor's Degree4%
  • Master's Degree4%
  • First Professional Degree1%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Time Management3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Service Orientation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Writingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Coordination2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Equipment Selection2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Repairing2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Troubleshooting2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Instructing2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Equipment Maintenance2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Persuasion2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Technology Design1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.80.9
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.8
  • Programming1.80.8
  • Operations Analysis1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

14 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.4.8
  2. Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.4.7
  3. Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.4.7
  4. Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.4.7
  5. Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.4.7
  6. Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.4.6
  7. Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.4.6
  8. Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.4.6
  9. Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.4.5
  10. Select lens blanks, molds, tools, and polishing or grinding wheels, according to production specifications.4.5
  11. Position and adjust cutting tools to specified curvature, dimensions, and depth of cut.4.5
  12. Assemble eyeglass frames and attach shields, nose pads, and temple pieces, using pliers, screwdrivers, and drills.4.4
Show the other 6
  1. Set dials and start machines to polish lenses or hold lenses against rotating wheels to polish them manually.4.3
  2. Repair broken parts, using precision hand tools and soldering irons.3.7
  3. Immerse eyeglass frames in solutions to harden, soften, or dye frames.4.4
  4. Lay out lenses and trace lens outlines on glass, using templates.4.3
  5. Control equipment that coats lenses to alter their reflective qualities.4.2
  6. Remove lenses from molds and separate lenses in containers for further processing or storage.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Customer and Personal Service3.12.8
  • Administration and Management3.02.1Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • English Language3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Computers and Electronics2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Administrative2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.21.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Public Safety and Security2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Design2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Telecommunications2.01.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Law and Government1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Physics1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Psychology1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Transportation1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Communications and Media1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.6—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.6—
  • Biology1.5—
  • Fine Arts1.4—
  • Geography1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.84.4Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Finger Dexterity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Control Precision3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Manual Dexterity3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.02.9
  • Reaction Time3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speech Recognition3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Wrist-Finger Speed3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Depth Perception2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Oral Comprehension2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity2.92.6
  • Written Expression2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Auditory Attention2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk Strength2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Speed of Closure2.32.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.12.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Stamina2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Memorization2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Static Strength2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Response Orientation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Strength1.60.6
  • Explosive Strength1.60.8
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.22.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.12.8
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.12.6
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.02.3Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.02.6
  • Processing Information3.02.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.92.7
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.72.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.72.7
  • Training and Teaching Others2.72.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.9
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.7
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.5—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.2
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Eyeglass design software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  2. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  4. Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
  5. Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
  6. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  8. Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  9. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.