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 salaries for optical technicians in the UK tend to be around £15,000, rising with experience to £24,000 a year.

The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024).

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.

Useful Subjects

• Engineering Science
• Practical Craft Skills

Getting In

• 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.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• able to organise your workload
• interested in science and maths
• eager and willing to learn
• patient
• able to concentrate for long periods
• able to work as part of a team.

You should have:

• good communication skills
• a good eye for detail
• good practical skills
• numeracy skills
• good hand to eye coordination
• a steady hand.

Training

• Training is on the job.
• It takes around two years to become a fully qualified optical technician.

Getting On

• You may be able to move into a supervisory job.
• You may move into designing instruments.
• You could take further qualifications to become a dispensing optician.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.