How Do I Become an Optical Laboratory Technician?

An optical laboratory technician is a professional who creates lenses that go inside customers’ eyeglasses based on doctors’ prescriptions. High school classes that prepare you for this aspect of the healthcare field include biology and algebra, which help you hone your problem-solving skills and understand how complex the human body is. If you want to become an optical laboratory technician, you should take college-level courses, complete lab projects, and gain experience in the field.

A person who wishes to become an optical laboratory technician can complete a certificate program in this field, which is available at technical colleges and often lasts a year or less. Although completing college-level training is not required to enter the optical field, taking post-secondary courses does improve a person’s chances of getting hired. To get into a college program, you should submit a copy of your high school diploma or the equivalent certification and fill out the school’s admissions application. Colleges will also ask you to turn in a high school transcript as well as scores on previously completed standardized tests.

When completing a training program to become a technician in the eye care field, an individual should take several courses that teach him or her how the eye functions and how various eye products work. For instance, you must master courses on optical testing and eye anatomy so that you understand the different parts of the eye as well as how to test these parts to ensure that they are operating correctly. Classes in lens design additionally will help you to understand how to shape lenses to fit various eyeglasses.

Becoming an optical professional also requires that you gain hands-on laboratory experience. In the lab, students practice using industry tools and computer software to create eyeglass lenses as well as contact lenses. You also should learn how to perfect these products by hand in order to become an optical laboratory technician. While in the lab, you need to practice wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles, and get used to using field machinery safely.

An individual who desires to succeed in the eye care field must gain practical experience in a real-world setting. This is possible through an internship, which is available at sites such as retail stores that have optical departments, optical labs, and even the offices of opticians. While on your internship, honing your communication skills and ability to work independently will make you attractive to future employers.