Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

High School

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians need a high school diploma. While in high school, you should take courses in physics, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing. Become comfortable working with computers to prepare for working with computerized and highly technical machinery in the workplace. Technical or shop classes can also be useful to improve your manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Postsecondary Training

Most technicians receive their training on the job; others learn these skills through formal apprenticeship programs or in vocational or technical school. Technicians who train on the job usually begin by performing simple tasks, such as basic lens-grinding operations. As they gain experience, they progress to more difficult operations, such as lens cutting or eyeglass assembly. It may take up to six months to gain experience in all areas and up to three years to be considered fully skilled.

Formal apprenticeship programs in this field usually take about three to four years to complete; however, some technicians manage to complete the programs sooner. Requirements for entry into these programs vary from program to program, but a high school diploma is almost always required. Apprentices generally train to be either ophthalmic surfacers, who train in lens grinding and related activities, or ophthalmic finishers, who concentrate on eyeglass assembly and frame repair.

Vocational, technical, or community college programs usually last from one to two years; graduates generally receive certificates or associate's degrees. Upon graduation, these beginning technicians will still require some on-the-job training in addition to their formal instruction.