Description
Set up and operate manual and CNC drilling equipment to produce precise holes, slots, and notches in eyeglass lenses, frames, and other optical goods. Align and secure parts for rimless mountings, hinges, and optical assemblies while meeting tight tolerances. Includes use of drill presses, jigs, templates, and fixtures in an optical laboratory or production setting.
- • Read prescriptions, blueprints, and work orders to determine hole patterns, diameters, depths, and tolerances.
- • Select drill bits, reamers, countersinks, bushings, templates, and jigs based on materials and specifications.
- • Mount and secure lenses, frames, or optical components in fixtures, vises, or chucks for drilling.
- • Align parts and fixtures to ensure correct hole position and optical center alignment.
- • Set up and operate manual or CNC drill presses to drill holes, slots, and notches in lenses and frames.
- • Program or enter coordinates, offsets, speeds, and feeds for CNC drilling operations.
- • Use depth stops and gauges to control drill depth and prevent surface damage.
- • Perform countersinking, counterboring, and tapping for hinges, screws, and rimless mountings.
- • Deburr, chamfer, and smooth drilled holes to prevent stress cracks and sharp edges.
- • Inspect parts before and after drilling using calipers, microscopes, comparators, and gauges to verify specifications.
- • Lay out and mark hole locations using templates, patterns, or digital marking systems.
- • Adjust fixtures or rework parts to correct minor misalignment or hole placement issues.
- • Assemble and align drilled lenses and frames for rimless or semi-rimless mountings as needed.
- • Clean drilled parts and remove chips and residues using air blow-off, solvents, or ultrasonic cleaners.
- • Maintain drilling equipment; replace or sharpen bits and service jigs and fixtures.
- • Record job data, part counts, and inspection results; label and route parts to the next operation.
- • Preheat or soften plastic frames or lenses when required to reduce drilling stress.
- • Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area, including chip and dust control.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
