Job: Optical Laboratory Specialist (68H)

JOIN THE U.S. ARMY!
To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


Everyone needs proper eye care, and Army Soldiers aren't any different. Fortunately, quality optical care is one of the health services provided to Army personnel all over the world. As an essential member of the optical laboratory technician team, Optical Laboratory Specialists make and repair eyeglasses that are provided for Army personnel. The Optical Laboratory Specialist is primarily responsible for assembling eyeglasses that utilize pre-surfaced single-vision lenses. Some of your duties as an Optical Laboratory Specialist may include:

* Surface lens blanks, fabricates, repairs
* Assemble prescription spectacles
* Maintain tools and equipment

Job training for an Optical Laboratory Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 24 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in making and repairing optical devices. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Knowledge of ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy and physiology
* Knowledge of optical laboratory supply and administration
* Knowledge of optical laboratory procedures sufficient to completely fabricate and dispense prescription military eyewear in both fixed and field environments

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in biology, chemistry and industrial arts
* An ability to use precision tools and instruments
* An interest in work requiring attention to detail
* An ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures

Advanced level Optical Laboratory Specialist provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Optical Laboratory Specialist, you may be involved in:

* Perform prescription-related administrative duties

The skills you learn as an Optical Laboratory Specialist will help prepare you for a future as an optical laboratory technician, an optician or an ophthalmic laboratory technician in civilian optical laboratories or retail optical offices.

Through your extensive Army training and experience, some additional study and two years of recommended experience, you'll have the opportunity to take the National Opticianry Competency Exam, which will allow you to possibly pursue a career as an optician.

* Pharmacy Specialist (68Q)
* Medical Laboratory Specialist (68K)
* Radiology Specialist (68P)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.