Loading...
  • 46 Leonard Takawira Corner Robert Mugabe, Harare
  • Mon - Sat 8.00 - 17.00

Optical Laboratory

PROJECT DETAILS

  • Branch Leopold Takawira
  • Doctor Dr Nim
  • Surgery Evisceration
  • Date February 12, 2018
  • Diseases Far sightedness

Optical laboratory technicians work in a laboratory setting, creating eyewear such as glasses and contacts based on the prescription from the optometrist. They start by selecting the appropriate lens recommended by the optician and then they cut, grind and polish them so that they meet the prescription criteria and fit fit within the frames.

An optical lab technician may work in a retail shop that sell glasses and contact lenses. They can also work in an optometrist or ophthalmologist office or medical clinic that has an optometry department. Another environment may be in a laboratory that operates separately from a clinic or retail outlet, you get orders from clients and work to fill them just as you would in any other optical lab technician job.

Prescription lenses are curved in such a way that light is correctly focused onto the retina of the patient’s eye, improving vision. Since ophthalmic laboratory technicians work in laboratories, they have limited contact with the public. Some ophthalmic laboratory technicians manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars.

Duties and Responsibilities

From spectacles, lenses, and contact lenses, sports glasses and sunglasses, opticians are responsible for designing, making and repairing and/selling them to the public, based on the needs of each individual customer. Opticians possess expert knowledge of the ophthalmic devices used to correct the most common sight problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), presbyopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Opticians may also work as optometrist, performing eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses and referring customers to specialist consultants if they detect visual impairment or diseases that require the assistance of an eye surgeon or ophthalmologist.

What it takes to be an Optical Lab Technician

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians must know and understand how to use respective machinery for making eyewear. They cut, grind, edge and finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians and optometrist. They should be able to insert lenses into frames to produce finished goods. Although some lenses still are produced by hand, technicians increasingly use automated equipment, so it is imperative they know how to go around those machines. In terms of qualifications, ophthalmic lab technicians are highly trained (courses in science, mathematics and computers) to ensure no room for errors. Nearly all optical lab technicians learn their skills on the job. Manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential.

  • Good optical technicians are good communicators.
  • Should be organized and conscientious.
  • Should be curious and detail-oriented.
  • Being collaborative is also invaluable since it helps information flow from the examiners to the creators of the patient's corrective lenses.
  • Good doctors are persistent in advocating for their patients.

Machines Commonly Used

Optical lab technicians use a variety of equipment that from the Bevelling machine, Frame Warmer, Lens Coloring, Spherometer, Ultrasound Cleaner, Photochromic Tester to ensure the perfection of their creations.