Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
SOC Code: 51-9083Also known as:
Artificial Glass Eye Maker, Artificial Plastic Eye Maker, Bench Hand, Benchroom Shop Optician, Bevel Polisher
Median Annual Salary
$38,420
+2.3% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
20K
Current Jobs
What Ophthalmic laboratory technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$38,420
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
19,600
Projected Employment (2034)
20,000
Related Careers
Camera and photographic equipment repairers
$49,300 •
-15.1% growth
Timing device assemblers and adjusters
$40,790 •
-17.5% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Time Management
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.
- Select lens blanks, molds, tools, and polishing or grinding wheels, according to production specifications.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a ophthalmic laboratory technicians:
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology/Technician
76 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become ophthalmic laboratory technicians.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | 56 | C+ |
| 2 | Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 11 | C |
| 3 | Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 9 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ophthalmic laboratory technicians make?
The median annual salary for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is $38,420.
What education do ophthalmic laboratory technicians need?
Most ophthalmic laboratory technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology/Technician.
Is becoming ophthalmic laboratory technicians a good career choice?
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians is projected to see +2.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for ophthalmic laboratory technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring ophthalmic laboratory technicians include
Hillsborough Community College, Broward College, Southwest University at El Paso.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to ophthalmic laboratory technicians?
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians may also be known as: Artificial Glass Eye Maker, Artificial Plastic Eye Maker, Bench Hand, Benchroom Shop Optician, Bevel Polisher, Beveler, Contact Lens Blocker, Contact Lens Blocker and Cutter, Contact Lens Cutter, Contact Lens Lathe Operator, Contact Lens Manufacturer, Contact Lens Technician, Cylinder Grinder, Cylinder Worker, Diamond Grinder, Dotter, Driller, Edge Grinder, Edger, Edger Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.