Operates machines to grind, polish and surface optical lenses to meet prescription requirements, and fits lenses to spectacle frames.

Selects and assembles optical elements for instruments and fits them in position; scrapes, files and laps mount of instrument to align optical elements; centres, focuses, adjusts and calibrates instrument on standard targets; anchors lenses and other optical elements with adhesives or retaining ring.

• Works indoors usually in specialised workshops, associated with camera or optical instruments retail premises.
• Work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated, as well as well lit and dust free.

• Physical demand level is light.
• Standing is frequently required at workbenches or light engineering machines such as grinders and lathes and may carry out a range of light engineering processes.
• Sitting on stools at workbenches, looking at (often) small lenses and camera mechanisms is frequently required.
• Walking about the worksite is frequently required to move equipment, supplies and carry out various tasks.
• Stretching up or across is not required as employees mostly work with small items.
• Squatting, crouching and/or kneeling is not required.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not required.
• Lifting, carrying or moving is not a significant component of the job.
• Bending is occasionally required at workbenches.
• Repetitive movements are required due to the extensive use of hands for precision work.
• Driving is not a significant component of the job.
• Employees frequently use a range of hand and small power tools (e.g. work with small, fine parts and tools, small precision lathes and other instruments, a range of precision hand tools such as soldering irons, pliers, cutters and micro-screwdrivers). They will also use precision measurement and electronic testing equipment including oscilloscopes, multi-meters or lens projectors for testing camera lenses.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, technical, mathematics and problem-solving.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.