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Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
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Median pay

$38,420
Median annual pay for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

19,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Finger Dexterity
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Working with Computers
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Time Pressure
  4. 4Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
  • Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
  • Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
  • Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
  • Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
  • Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
  • Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
  • Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyElectronic medical record EMR softwareEyeglass design software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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