Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians usually work in well-lighted, well-ventilated surroundings. However, they usually work with noisy machinery. In addition, some of the equipment used for coating, dyeing, and some other processes generates noxious fumes. Safety measures, including wearing goggles and using exhaust hoods to lessen fumes, have reduced many of the hazards encountered in ophthalmic laboratories. Despite these higher safety standards, technicians are still at risk for some accidents while using hand tools or operating lathes and grinding machines.

Most ophthalmic laboratory technicians work five-day, 40-hour weeks and spend most of their days standing. In retail outlets where lenses are guaranteed in an hour, ophthalmic laboratory technicians may be required to work under time restraints. Their work involves superior dexterity and hand-eye coordination and can become extremely tedious or frustrating to someone who lacks the interest in or the ability to do this kind of work.