Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Employment for ophthalmic laboratory technicians is expected to grow by 2 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, as fast as the average for all occupations. Rising demand for corrective lenses and faster service in delivering finished eyeglasses will fuel employment growth. In addition, overall population growth and especially the growth in the elderly segment (who generally require the most vision care) will also increase the demand for qualified technicians.

These factors will be partially offset by the technological innovations that are being introduced into ophthalmic laboratories, especially the larger laboratories. Machines used to grind and polish lenses are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often are computer-aided. Though these technical developments are increasing technicians' productivity, the machinery is also eliminating some tasks previously done manually.

Some job opportunities will arise to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or retire. Most of the new job opportunities will be in retail stores that make prescription glasses on their own premises rather than at large outside ophthalmic laboratories.