Optical Mechanic / Technician
OFO No: 661502
Other names for Optical Mechanic:
- Contact Lens Technician
- Fine Optician
- Optical Glass Cutter
- Optical Glass Grinder
- Optical Glass Polisher
- Optical Instrument Maker and Repairer
- Optical Laboratory Assistant
- Optical Technician
- Slitter Optical Glass
What is an Optical Mechanic?
An Optical Mechanic works for an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
They are responsible for making up the lenses for glasses and contacts from prescriptions to help the visually impaired.
What does an Optical Mechanic do?
- reads and understands prescriptions
- measures and marks up lens to fit frame
- makes up lenses with the right strength, sizing and shape
- decides which material to use
- cuts the lens with a special machine to produce the right curving
- bufs and polishes lenses
- checks lens before fitting them into the frames
- repairs damaged lenses
Are you … ?
- good with your hands?
- mechanically minded?
- an accurate worker?
- responsible?
- precise?
- a person with good eye sight?
How do I become an Optical Mechanic?
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Optical Manufacturing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Artisan Internship
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Bricklayer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Optometrist and Fashion Stylist
Is becoming an Optical Mechanic the right career choice for me?
