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Optical mechanic
The demand for optical mechanics is very high and continues to rise in the job market. Due to the development of civilisation, unfavourable working conditions and the resulting poor condition of our eyesight, the number of opticians needed in different businesses keeps increasing.
An optical mechanic prepares materials and optical parts to be assembled. This requires an extensive knowledge of construction materials and consumables.
The ability to sketch machine parts is highly important in this job. One must also be familiar with computer technologies and be able to read technical documentation of machines and their parts.
An optical mechanic carries out basic locksmithing works such as sawing, drilling, cutting etc. They must choose the right equipment and tools for both manual and mechanical processing.
An optical mechanic also handles the assembly and repair of system components and optical devices. Technical knowledge and skills are therefore an absolute must. A specialist must be familiar with the machine parts and understand the principles of their operation. Moreover, a specialist needs to choose proper methods of equipment repair and maintenance.
Furthermore, an optical mechanic fixes and checks the optical equipment using the correct control and measurement devices.
A qualified specialist usually works in small spaces where the mechanical processing of objects is carried out, or in large production halls and warehouses. A person who does the job is continually exposed to noise, dust and significant air humidity. While working with heavy machinery there is also the risk of an occupational accident.
Optical mechanics usually find employment in optical workshops or stores, but also at optometrist's or in a service facility where optical equipment is produced. A well‑qualified optical mechanic can also work in other branches of industry where optical systems are used.
Optical Technician
Genetic susceptibility, ethnicity, environment, and civilisation changes are just a few among many factors that have enormous impact on people developing visual impairments. In order to improve their quality of life, a patient needs to be diagnosed with a particular eye defect and the method of its correction must be chosen accordingly.
Despite the fact that a vast majority of technological processes have become automated, an optical technician is a profession still very much needed and classified as handicraft.
The major task of an optician is making lenses. The job is highly stimulating and varied, but it requires great focus of attention. One must possess extraordinary technical skills to fit the lenses into frames.
The job involves operating not only automated machines but also those designed for manual processing of material. Technical imagination, knowledge and continuous quality control as well as checking if an order has been completed in line with what has been agreed upon is vital for performing the work of an optical technician.
A specialist is usually in direct and frequent contact with their customers so communication skills and friendly attitude towards others are much welcomed. Other desirable qualities include empathy, good manners, composure, patience, and precision. Extensive knowledge of visual aids is also an advantage. An optical technician must be familiar with the principles of choosing frames based on a person’s face shape and follow latest fashion trends.
An optical technician selects and makes visual aids on the basis of information included in an eyeglasses prescription or self‑conducted examination. They operate optical devices such as an auto refractometer, a refractometer, an ophthalmometer, a pupilometer, and alike. Other than that, they use technical documentation of optical and optoelectronic systems and devices. An optical technician performs examinations of patients’ visual impairments as well as measures visual aids. That’s why they themselves need to have good eyesight.
Optical technicians work in optical studios, workshops and optometric offices. Their workplace is normally well‑lit and equipped with right devices.
An optical technician who handles spectacles mostly works in a sitting position. They complete the tasks that require a great deal of precision on their own, however, more often than not, the job involves teamwork and so a good specialist must be able to cooperate with other people.