Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Ophthalmic Lab Technician
What ophthalmic lab technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an ophthalmic lab technician?
Start equipment and check orders. From there, the day usually includes read prescriptions and work orders, select lens blanks, and surface and polish lenses. Most work full-time; large labs may run shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an ophthalmic lab technician working full time.
- Start equipment and check orders.
- Surface progressive lenses.
- Load the coating machine.
- Edge lenses for frames.
- Mount lenses.
- Inspect with a lensometer.
- Clean and maintain machines.
Where ophthalmic lab technicians work
Technicians work in optical labs and in-store labs.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; large labs may run shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read prescriptions and work orders
- Select lens blanks
- Surface and polish lenses
- Apply coatings
- Edge lenses to fit frames
- Inspect finished eyewear
- Maintain lab equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Lens generators
- Polishers
- Edgers
- Coating machines
- Lensometers
- Lab management software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Quick entry
- Hands-on precision work
- Steady demand for glasses
- Learn on the job
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Repetitive work
- Standing
- Production quotas
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like precise work
- I want to start quickly
- I like machines
- I’m detail-oriented
- I don’t mind repetitive tasks
- I might become an optician
Not sure? Take the free Ophthalmic Lab Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear eye protection
- Handle chemicals safely
- Guard machines
- Follow impact testing rules