Optical Laboratory Technician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Optical/Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Assistants (3414.3) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (D313) 
• 2011 NOC: Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414) 

Optical laboratory technicians work in optical laboratories where they:

• cut, grind and polish lenses to precise measurements
• assemble eyeglass frames
• fit lenses into frames
• make minor adjustments.

Technicians may specialize in the surfacing or finishing phases of the lens manufacturing process. Surfacing includes:

• selecting and marking a blank lens to indicate required curvatures
• fastening the blank lens to a metal object for support during grinding and polishing
• generating a curve
• grinding and polishing lens surfaces to the prescribed specifications.

Finishing involves:

• measuring lens power
• cutting lenses to the size and shape required to fit specified frames
• edging and bevelling lenses
• drilling lenses
• assembling eyeglasses.

Some optical laboratory technicians work in specialized contact lens laboratories where they manufacture contact lenses according to prescription.

For information about the duties of people who work directly with customers, see the Optician occupational profile.

Optical laboratory technicians work in laboratories. The work is not physically demanding but may require being on your feet much of the day. The only occupational hazard is the possibility of allergic reactions to chemical agents used in an optical laboratory. Having to prepare lenses in a limited amount of time can be stressful.

Optical laboratory technicians work a standard 40 hour week with some evening and weekend work required for those employed in quick service and retail optical dispensing businesses.

Optical laboratory technicians need the following characteristics:

• good motor co-ordination, manual dexterity and finger dexterity
• mechanical ability
• patience and perseverance
• the ability to pay close attention to details
• the ability to work well in a team environment.

They should enjoy operating equipment and using hand tools, having clear guidelines and organized methods for their work, and making minor adjustments and repairs.

Optical laboratory technician generally is considered an entry level position in the optical industry.

Many optical laboratory technicians are employed by large full service laboratories where they specialize in particular types of tasks. Other technicians work in smaller surfacing or edging laboratories associated with optical dispensing businesses or optometrists' practices.

Trainees may start work in the stock room of an optical laboratory before progressing to surfacing or finishing operations. After about three months at a particular task, trainees move to another task. It takes about three years for trainees to become sufficiently skilled to work unsupervised in either surfacing or finishing.

Experienced optical laboratory technicians may advance to supervisory positions in laboratories or move into related fields such as selling safety programs to industry, or selling and repairing optometric diagnostic instruments. Some technicians study to become dispensing opticians (see the Optician profile), although there is a trend toward training specifically for one occupation or the other.

Optical laboratory technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services.  

Alberta Opticians Association (AOA) website: www.opticians.ab.ca

Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) website: www.opticians.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.