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Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

SOC 51-9083.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full competency progression of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians working in optical production labs, from supervised lens mounting and inspection at entry level through autonomous fabrication and lab leadership at the advanced level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Lens blanks — mount and secure in holding chucks under direct supervision on standard optical grinding machines.
  2. Lens blank surfaces — inspect visually for flaws and verify coating thickness using basic inspection criteria provided by a supervisor.
  3. Machine setup procedures — follow step-by-step instructions to configure polishing or edging equipment for routine lens orders.
  4. Finished lenses — clean using approved cloths and solvents according to standard lab cleaning protocols.
  5. Prescription work orders — read and identify basic lens specifications such as power, axis, and add under supervisor guidance.
  6. Hand tools — handle and use under close direction to mount finished lenses into standard eyeglass frames.
  7. Lens thickness and alignment — measure using provided precision instruments with supervisor verification of results.
  8. Lab safety and equipment protocols — follow consistently to protect optical components and personal safety during daily production tasks.
  9. Lens shape requirements — recognize basic framing dimensions needed to fit common frame styles when shown by a trainer.
  10. Production records — enter basic job and batch information into office suite or ERP software under direction.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Lens blanks and optical elements — mount, align, and secure independently in cutting, polishing, and grinding machine chucks for routine production runs.
  2. Polishing, beveling, edging, and grinding machines — set up and operate with reduced oversight to process standard lens prescriptions on schedule.
  3. Mounted and unmounted lenses — inspect, weigh, and measure using precision instruments to verify conformance to specifications without requiring supervisor sign-off on routine orders.
  4. Lens surface quality and coating uniformity — evaluate consistently across a production batch, flagging non-conforming lenses for rework.
  5. Eyeglass frames and optical assemblies — align and secure finished lenses using precision hand tools with reliable accuracy across common frame types.
  6. Work orders and prescriptions — interpret independently, translating optical parameters into correct machine settings and lens selection for standard cases.
  7. Lens shaping operations — perform to match frame dimensions for a variety of standard frame styles, adjusting equipment settings as needed.
  8. Time management techniques — apply to balance multiple lens orders and maintain throughput targets in a production lab environment.
  9. ERP or medical software — use routinely to track job status, record inspection outcomes, and update production logs.
  10. Quality deviations — identify common causes during routine operations and take corrective action within established lab procedures.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex or non-routine prescriptions — examine and translate into precise machine configurations, resolving ambiguities without escalation in a full-service optical lab.
  2. Precision optical grinding, polishing, and coating equipment — set up and optimize across the full range of lens types, including specialty and high-prescription lenses.
  3. Lens blank defects and coating irregularities — diagnose root causes systematically and recommend or implement process adjustments to reduce recurrence.
  4. Finished lens assemblies — inspect and verify alignment, power, and cosmetic quality using advanced precision instruments, ensuring full specification compliance before release.
  5. Non-standard or specialty frames — mount and align complex optical assemblies using precision hand tools, adapting techniques to unusual geometries.
  6. Broken or used eyeglasses — analyze to reverse-engineer specifications and produce accurate replacement lenses without original prescriptions.
  7. Production workflow — manage independently, prioritizing orders and coordinating machine use to meet daily output and quality targets.
  8. CAD software and measurement data — apply to verify and document lens geometry and optical parameters for complex or custom orders.
  9. Judgment on borderline quality cases — exercise independently, determining whether a lens meets standards or requires rework based on technical knowledge and deductive reasoning.
  10. Newer lab personnel — guide informally on equipment operation, inspection techniques, and quality standards during daily production activities.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Lab-wide quality control systems — design and implement to ensure consistent lens specification compliance across all production teams and equipment.
  2. Optical technician training programs — develop and lead for new hires and experienced staff, covering machine operation, inspection, and prescription interpretation.
  3. Production processing standards and SOPs — author and maintain for all lens fabrication and finishing operations, incorporating regulatory and industry requirements.
  4. Equipment procurement and maintenance strategies — evaluate and recommend for polishing, edging, grinding, and coating machinery to optimize lab capacity and output quality.
  5. ERP and medical software workflows — configure and oversee across the lab to ensure accurate tracking of orders, quality records, and inventory.
  6. Cross-functional relationships with dispensing opticians and clinical staff — manage to align lab capabilities with patient prescription needs and service commitments.
  7. Organizational quality metrics — analyze using production data and inspection records to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  8. Lab throughput and resource allocation — plan and optimize at an operational level, balancing staffing, machine scheduling, and order priorities for maximum efficiency.
  9. Industry standards and technological advances in optics — monitor and integrate into lab practice, keeping the team current with new lens materials, coatings, and fabrication methods.
  10. Laboratory performance and compliance outcomes — report to organizational leadership, translating technical production data into strategic recommendations for investment and improvement.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Optician, Dispensing · 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
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0108 · Optician, Dispensing
O*NET skills
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingMechanicalMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and Management
Abilities
Near VisionFinger DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionManual DexterityDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityVisualizationSelective AttentionInformation Ordering
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessPerseveranceAchievement OrientationIntegrity
Technology
Medical softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
  2. Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
  3. Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
  4. Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
  5. Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
  6. Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
  7. Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
  8. Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.
CIP education codes
51.1006

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.