Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop specialized expertise in the precise fabrication and customization of corrective eyewear under the guidance of eye care professionals. The curriculum emphasizes technical mastery, attention to detail, and adherence to industry standards in producing high-quality lenses and frames tailored to individual patient needs.
- Optical theory: Explores the principles of light refraction, lens design, and visual acuity to understand how corrective lenses improve vision.
- Applied mathematics: Applies mathematical calculations to determine lens power, curvature, and alignment based on prescription data.
- Lens surfacing and finishing: Teaches the techniques for shaping and polishing lenses to meet exact optical specifications using precision machinery.
- Tinting and coating processes: Covers methods for applying color filters and functional coatings such as anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and UV-protective layers.
- Impact resistance treatment and testing: Focuses on enhancing lens durability through specialized treatments and verifying performance through standardized safety evaluations.
- Frame construction and repair: Provides hands-on training in assembling, adjusting, and restoring eyewear frames using various materials and tools.
- Prescription interpretation: Develops the ability to accurately read and translate complex eye care prescriptions into precise manufacturing instructions.
- Equipment operation and maintenance: Ensures proficiency in using advanced optical lab machinery, including edgers, surfacers, and coating systems, with an emphasis on safe and efficient upkeep.
- Follow-up adjustment: Trains students to make minor refinements to eyewear post-fabrication to ensure optimal comfort and visual performance.
- Record-keeping and laboratory safety: Instills best practices for documentation accuracy and compliance with health, safety, and operational protocols in a clinical lab environment.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 248,460 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians 51-9083 | $38,420 | $31,250 - $55,480 | 18,740 | $18.47 |
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $161,830 in District of Columbia—a 237% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Utah, and Arkansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 248,460 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology is found at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (56 graduates), Broward College (BC) (11 graduates), and Southwest University, El Paso (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 76 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
56 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Southwest University |
Associate's
|
9 | El Paso, Texas | Private | southwestuniversity.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology degree?
Salaries for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians earn around $38,420. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $161,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 248,460 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (56 graduates), Broward College (BC) (11 graduates), and Southwest University, El Paso (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 248,460 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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