Lens Grinders and Polishers

Career summary

Lens grinders and polishers may also be called ophthalmic laboratory technicians.

Lens grinders and polishers cut, grind, and finish lenses. They read prescriptions from opticians or optometrists to learn what type of lenses to make. They also look at work orders for specifications, such as color tints or protective coatings.

Lens grinders and polishers pick out plastic or glass lens blanks. They mark on the blank lenses where the curves need to be cut. They place the lenses in grinders and set up the machines for the proper types of cuts. Once the lenses are cut, lens grinders and polishers put the lenses in two other machines. These polishing and finishing machines use fine abrasives to smooth the edges and improve the lenses.

Lens grinders and polishers inspect the newly ground lenses to see if they match prescriptions. They may use lensometers, which are similar to microscopes, to check the lenses. They shape the sides at an angle and apply protective finishes or colors.

Lens grinders and polishers use hand tools to attach temple pieces and nose pads to frames. They polish lenses by hand to remove dust and smudges. They usually put the lens into the frames but will sometimes let the optician do this.

In smaller labs, lens grinders and polishers do all of these tasks. In larger labs, they may be responsible for running only one type of machine. In some retail stores, lens grinders and polishers repair or make adjustments to broken eyeglasses.

Some lens grinders and polishers make lenses for microscopes, telescopes, and other optical equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Numerical Control Machine Operators
• Photograph Processing Workers
• Precision Assemblers
• Printing Press Operators
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Semiconductor Processing Operators
• Upholsterers
• Welders and Solderers

Military careers

• Dental and Optical Laboratory Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to lens grinders and polishers.

• Examine prescriptions to learn the requirements of the lenses.
• Select glass or plastic lens blanks.
• Mark lenses to indicate the amount of curve to be ground.
• Place lenses into grinders, set dials, and start machines.
• Put lenses into finishing and polishing machines to smooth edges and brighten finish.
• Inspect finished lens with a lensometer to determine if they meet requirements.
• Cut edges of lenses to a slant to fit frames.
• Dip lenses into dyes, solutions, or protective coatings.
• Assemble frame parts and polish lenses by hand.
• Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses.
• Repair broken or damaged parts.
• May correct alignment and repair broken parts of customers' current glasses.

Common work activities

Lens grinders and polishers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, lens grinders and polishers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of contact with others. Lens grinders often consult with coworkers and supervisors and may interact with customers.
• Communicate with others in person. They rarely write e-mails or talk on the telephone during their workday.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May wear safety attire such as goggles and gloves.
• Are often exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels, such as when operating grinders.
• May work physically close to others, such as when sharing work areas.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.
• May share work space with other grinders and polishers.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. If they miss a step, they may have to start the process over from the beginning.
• Must repeat the same physical activities. This is especially true in larger labs where they may work only on grinding lenses.
• Must let the work pace be set by the speed of the machinery.
• Set some, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which daily quotas and deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are usually established.
• May work weekends or evenings at eyeglass stores.

Physical demands

Lens grinders and polishers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for lens grinders and polishers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for lens grinders and polishers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Skills and abilities

Lens grinders and polishers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Opticianry
• Optometric Technology

Training

To work as a lens grinder and polisher, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some lens grinders and polishers complete formal training programs at professional-technical schools. These programs cover topics such as optical theory and lens surfacing and finishing. You also learn to read and apply prescriptions. These programs run from six months to a year. When you finish, you usually earn a certificate.

On-the-job training

Most lens grinders and polishers learn their skills on the job. You begin by learning simple tasks, such as marking or blocking lenses for grinding. As you gain experience you learn lens grinding, cutting, edging, and eyeglass assembly. This training can last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be optical laboratory technicians. Training lasts 21 to 26 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Machining
• Vision Care Assisting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire lens grinders and polishers who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers look for people who have good manual dexterity. They also look for people who are able to do very detailed work and follow directions.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Some workers belong to unions. These workers tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Lens grinders and polishers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Eyeglass stores
• Medical equipment and supplies manufacturers
• Optometrists' offices
• Doctors' offices

Optical laboratories manufacture eyewear to sell at retail stores. Scientific instrument manufacturers make lenses for instruments such as telescopes or binoculars. Lens grinder and polisher positions are found throughout the nation. Optical manufacturers or laboratories tend to be located in larger cities.

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. The population of middle-aged and older individuals will increase in the next decade, which is around the age that most people will need to buy corrective lenses. Demand for these workers is also related to fashion trends, which influence how many pairs of glasses people buy.

Procedures such as laser surgery may reduce the number of people who need glasses but overall, should not reduce the need for reading glasses and other corrective measures.

Job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave the occupation. Since this occupation is small, the number of openings will also be small.

Other resources

American Optometric Association 
243 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63141
800.365.2219

Explore Health Careers: Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician 

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician 
(Career Cornerstone Center)

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians (51-9083.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Blocker and Cutter, Contact Lens (716.681-010) 
• Eyeglass-lens Cutter (716.682-010) 
• Glass Cutter, Hand (716.681-014) 
• Lathe Operator, Contact Lens (716.382-010) 
• Lay-out Technician (716.381-014) 
• Lens Mounter II (713.681-010) 
• Lens Polisher, Hand (716.681-018) 
• Lens-mold Setter (713.381-010) 
• Optical-element Coater (716.382-014) 
• Optician (716.280-014) 
• Optician Apprentice (716.280-010) 
• Precision-lens Centerer and Edger (716.462-010) 
• Precision-lens Generator (716.682-014) 
• Precision-lens Grinder (716.382-018) 
• Precision-lens Polisher (716.682-018) 
• Precision-lens-grinder Apprentice (716.382-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled