Similar careers
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An Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician is a specialized professional who creates prescription eyeglass lenses and contact lenses. They work with precision equipment to grind, polish, and finish optical lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 1.1% (below average)
Annual job openings: 2,400
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 13% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $40K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $34K per year | $36K per year | $40K per year | $47K per year | $57K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average. | ||||
These technicians typically work in ophthalmic laboratories, optical goods stores, or healthcare facilities. The environment is detail-oriented and requires handling delicate equipment and materials. Safety protocols are important due to the use of machinery and chemicals.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians combine technical skills with an understanding of optics to produce corrective lenses. They begin by analyzing prescriptions to determine the lens power and specifications needed. Using precision equipment, they grind and polish lenses to the required shape and thickness. Technicians must be meticulous and patient, as the lens grinding process is intricate and demands high precision.
The role requires a good understanding of the materials used in lens-making, such as plastic, polycarbonate, and glass. Technicians must choose the appropriate material based on the prescription and customer needs. They also handle various lens treatments, such as tinting, coating, or edge polishing, to enhance the functionality and durability of the lenses.
Assembling the final product is another critical aspect of the job. This involves fitting lenses into eyeglass frames, ensuring proper alignment, and making adjustments for fit and comfort. Technicians must be detail-oriented to ensure that the final product is free of defects and meets the necessary optical standards.
A high school diploma is generally sufficient, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training. Some technicians may pursue additional certification or training programs in ophthalmic technology.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
