Optical Technician
Dan’s job title is Optical Technician at Specsavers Opticians
I create high-quality spectacles, ensuring the patient gets an optimal viewing experience at all times. I take a trace of the frame the customer has chosen so I know exactly what shape I need to cut the lens and where I need to put the optical centres and heights. I then cut the lens down to exactly the right shape.
I then apply tints to sunglasses or apply any fashion tints that have been requested. The finished lens is fitted into the frame and the prescription is checked. After that, the lens is cleaned, everything is double-checked, and the spectacles are packaged ready for the customer.
In the morning, we’ll arrive at the lab, turn on all the machines and run calibration checks to make sure everything is working. We look at what’s due in our delivery, which glasses need to be sent out and if there are any issues from the previous day that we need to sort.
In the afternoon, we’re usually packing up deliveries and putting the finishing touches to our own store’s spectacles. We are constantly making spectacles and keeping our machines running. At the end of the day we clean the machines, remove any lens waste and make sure everything is set up for the morning.
I learn something new every day. I have been doing this job for ten years, but I’m still not an expert.
I love seeing the finished product. Taking the raw materials and turning them into something that someone is going to use every day for two years or longer. If you do your job properly, you can make a real difference to people’s lives.
I work in a very small, close-knit team. The best bit about it is that you know these people really well and it is essential that you get on. Any issues get sorted out immediately and aren’t allowed to fester. We have a real camaraderie and because we are not customer-facing, we can listen to music. It’s a nice atmosphere.
We once made spectacles for someone on TV - an A-lister!
I would like to be in charge of my own lab. Although that would be quite far in the future, there are opportunities here which would help me get there.
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