Skip to content

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Production (51-9083)

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.

At a Glance

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians earns a median of $38,420/yr with +2.3% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft Excel, SAP software, Microsoft Word.

Median Annual Wage

$38,420/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+2.3%

Annual Openings

2

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (1)

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.3

Knowledge (3)

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.9
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.4
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.3

Abilities (7)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.6
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.6
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.5
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.5
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.4
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.3

Technology (6)

Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (7)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

3.7
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.4
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.4
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.3
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.3
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians.

Get Started Free