Optical technicians make optical parts for scientific instruments such as microscopes and telescopes, lenses for spectacles and contact lenses.
The Work
You could be:
preparing customer prescriptions to the highest standard using the latest computer-controlled equipment
shaping moulded glass or plastic for various lenses including spectacle lenses and contact lenses
using lathes and other hand or machine tools to grind, smooth and polish the lenses
making up complex lenses by hand – most simple lenses are made by machine
making spectacle lenses the right shape for the frame and fitting them into the frame
finishing spectacle lenses by glazing, or applying tints and polishes
assembling and testing the instrument or pair of spectacles
cleaning and maintaining equipment and machinery
ordering stock.
Pay
Pay rates vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).
As of 1 April 2025 the National Minimum Wage is £10.00 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour.
The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £7.55 an hour (1 April 2025).
Qualified optical technicians can earn up to £28,000 a year.
Conditions
You would work in a factory, workshop or laboratory.
You usually work around 37-40 hours a week.
It may be noisy.
You'd wear a white coat and sometimes eye protection.
You do not always need formal qualifications but most employers will ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and science or technological subjects.
You would apply for a position with a company that offers on the job training within their optical laboratory.
You could work for a manufacturing company, a large prescription company, an optical firm or a small optician’s practice.
2025
