Description
Fabricate, measure, and assemble prescription eyewear in an optical lab, operating finishing equipment to produce lenses and frames to written prescriptions and specifications. Verify quality and accuracy, adjust and repair frames for proper fit, and prepare and manage work orders and inventory. Support client fittings, frame selection, and contact lens handling as needed.
- • Interpret optical prescriptions and calculate lens layouts and parameters.
- • Measure pupillary distance, segment heights, bridge and eye size, and optical centers using pupilometers and rulers.
- • Prepare, process, and prioritize work orders for lens fabrication and finishing.
- • Block, edge, and polish lenses to specification using patternless edgers and other lab equipment.
- • Grind, bevel, and finish lens edges; apply tints, hard coats, and AR coatings as required.
- • Assemble eyeglasses by inserting and securing lenses into frames.
- • Verify finished eyewear meets prescription power, axis, prism, and centration tolerances using a lensometer and QA tools.
- • Heat, shape, and align frames for proper fit and optical performance.
- • Perform minor frame repairs and replace nose pads or temple components.
- • Maintain and calibrate lab instruments; perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance.
- • Track and manage inventory of lenses, frames, and consumables; order supplies as needed.
- • Maintain accurate records of prescriptions, work orders, production, and payments.
- • Package, label, and stage completed orders for delivery or dispensing.
- • Assist clients with frame selection and basic fittings when needed.
- • Recommend lens materials, designs, and coatings based on visual requirements and lifestyle.
- • Instruct clients in eyeglass care and basic contact lens handling per protocol.
- • Confirm or obtain prescription details from prescribers and verify previous records when necessary.
- • Arrange and maintain organized lab areas and displays of optical merchandise.
- • Train or mentor new technicians or student opticians in lab procedures.
- • Perform administrative tasks, including sales processing, insurance submissions, and simple bookkeeping.
- • Fabricate specialty lenses or mounts, such as drill mounts or wrap frames, within equipment capabilities.
- • Comply with safety, infection control, and HIPAA requirements.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
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
