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Employment in this occupation
is expected to increase right through Asia-pacific region
as demand grows for corrective lenses. Demographic trends
make it likely that many more will need vision care in the
years ahead. Not only will the population grow, but also the
proportion of middle-aged and older adults is projected to
increase rapidly. Middle age is a time when many people use
corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons
require more vision care, on the whole, than others. Fashion
too influences demand. Frames come in a variety of styles
and colours, encouraging people to buy more than one pair.
Demand is also expected to grow in response to the availability
of new technologies that improve the quality and look of corrective
lenses, such as anti-reflective coatings and bifocal lenses
without the line visible in traditional bifocals. Improvements
in bifocal, extended wear and disposable contact lenses will
also spur demand.
Is this occupation for you?
Optical technicians need the following characteristics:
- good motor co-ordination, manual dexterity and finger dexterity
- mechanical ability
- patience and perseverance
- the ability to pay close attention to details
- the ability to work well in a team environment
Career Opportunities
Optical technicians work in laboratories. The work is not
physically demanding but may require being on your feet much
of the day. The only occupational hazard is the possibility
of allergic reactions to chemical agents used in an optical
laboratory. Having to prepare lenses in a limited amount of
time can be stressful.
Many optical technicians are employed by
large full service laboratories where they specialize in particular
types of tasks. Other technicians work in smaller surfacing
or edging laboratories associated with optical dispensing
businesses or optometrists' practices. Some graduates may
establish their own business, while a number develop careers
as company representatives with major product manufacturers
and/or wholesalers. Most job openings will arise from the
need to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations
or leave the labour force. Only a small number of total job
openings will occur each year because the occupation is small.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians held about
33 percent were in retail optical stores that manufacture
and sell prescription glasses. A little over 31 percent were
in optical laboratories. These laboratories manufacture eyewear
for sale by retail stores that fabricate prescription glasses,
and by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Most of the remaining
36 percent are in wholesalers or in optical laboratories that
manufacture lenses for other optical instruments, such as
telescopes and binoculars.
Optical Courses Available
HLT43507 Certificate IV in
Optical Dispensing
HLT43707 Certificate IV in
Optical Technology
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