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 labs where they:

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

Technicians may specialize in surfacing or finishing lenses. Surfacing includes:

• selecting and marking a blank lens to indicate required curves
• fastening the blank lens to a metal object for support while it’s ground and polished
• 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 selected frames
• edging and bevelling lenses
• drilling lenses
• assembling eyeglasses.

Some optical laboratory technicians work in specialized contact lens labs. They produce contact lenses according to prescription.

To learn about working directly with customers, see the Optician occupational profile.

Optical laboratory technicians work in labs. They may be on their feet for much of the day. Allergic reactions to the chemical agents used in an optical lab is a potential workplace hazard. Preparing lenses in a limited time can be stressful.

Optical laboratory technicians work a standard 40-hour week. Those working in quick-serve and retail settings may work some evenings and weekends.

Optical laboratory technicians need to possess:

• fine-motor skills
• mechanical ability
• patience and perseverance
• the ability to focus on small details
• the ability to work well in a team setting.

They should enjoy:

• using equipment and hand tools
• having clear guidelines and following step-by-step procedures
• making repairs.

In the industry, this is seen as an entry-level position.

Many optical laboratory technicians work for large, full-service labs where they perform specific tasks. Others work in smaller surfacing or edging labs. These may be linked with optical retail stores or optometrists’ practices.

Trainees may start work in the stock room of an optical lab. They may then progress to surfacing or finishing roles. After about 3 months at one task, trainees move to another task. After about 3 years, they develop enough skills to work unsupervised. This applies to both surfacing and finishing.

With time on the job, technicians may become supervisors in labs. Or they may move into related fields. For example, they may sell safety programs to industry. Or they may sell and repair optometric diagnostic tools. Some technicians study to become dispensing opticians (see the Optician occupational profile). There is a trend toward training for one position or the other.

Optical laboratory technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the D313: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 246 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) website: www.opticians.ab.ca

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.