Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician Careers
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Health Care Jobs.
What
an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician does:
An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician, also
referred to as an Ophthalmic
Technician or Ophthalmic Technologist (OT), makes
prescription eyeglass or contact lenses to
improve a patients vision. An Ophthalmic
Laboratory Technician is also known as a
manufacturing optician, optical mechanic, or
optical goods worker. Ophthalmic Laboratory
Technicians can work in small laboratories where
they are responsible for every phase of
production. In large laboratories, Ophthalmic
Laboratory Technicians are responsible for
operating equipment that automates production of
lenses.
The main duties of an Ophthalmic
Laboratory Technician include:
- Curving prescription lenses to ensure that
light is correctly focused into the retina
- Manufacturing lenses for telescopes and
binoculars
- Cutting, grinding and edging lenses according
to specifications
- Working with dispensing opticians optometrists
and ophthalmologists
- Using automated equipment
- Inspecting the finished lenses for quality and
accuracy through a lensometer
- Inserting lenses into dye if tinted lenses are
required
- Inserting lenses into frames
Education & Qualifications:
Previously many Ophthalmic Laboratory
Technicians received on the job training. Today
more and more employers are opting to hire
technicians with formal training. Programs are
run by private schools, vocational colleges and
trade schools. Typical subjects covered include,
optical theory, surfacing and lens finishing,
and the reading and applying of prescriptions.
Programs vary in length from 6 months to 1 year,
and certificates or diplomas are awarded to
successful graduates.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians can progress
to become supervisors and managers. Some
continue through education and become Dispensing
Opticians.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Salaries for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
are in the region of $15,000 - $30,000,
depending on experience, location and
qualifications. As few people seek a career as
an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician, job
opportunities for those with certification
should be favorable.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer ophthalmic technician programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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