Optical mechanics make precision optical parts; grind, polish and surface
prescription lenses and contact lenses; and fit lenses to spectacle frames.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Optical Mechanic earn an average of $1043 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $54236 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
good eyesight (or correctable by glasses or contact lenses)
good hand-eye coordination
patient and able to carry out accurate work
aptitude for mathematics and physics.
This job also involves:
Full use of hands/fingers
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements
are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination
or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to
undertake.
Good vision for detail
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It
covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place
unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with
detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good
hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job
training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Computing Studies
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of an Optical Mechanic
Optical mechanics may perform the following tasks:
read and interpret prescriptions from eye specialists
locate and mark optical centres and axes on lens blanks and make calculations to grind lenses to specifications
grind and polish the surface of the lens by setting grinding and polishing machines
test polished lenses for accuracy
apply protective coatings and non-reflective material to lenses and apply heat and chemical treatment to glass lenses to harden them if required
shape and fit lenses to spectacle frames
repair damaged and broken spectacles
cut and polish contact lenses to prescription requirements.
Specialisations
With further training, optical mechanics may specialise as optical dispensers
who measure and fit clients with spectacles. See the separate entry for
Optical Dispenser. Highly skilled and experienced optical mechanics make,
repair and service binoculars, telescopes and other scientific optical
equipment.