Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use specialised optical knowledge to place, check and service orders for spectacle frames and lenses.
This unit applies to optical dispensers who work according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Place optical appliance orders | 1.1 Interpret and transpose optical prescriptions 1.2 Identify and follow up on discrepancies 1.3 Complete ordering procedures using correct optical terminology and documentation 1.4 Respond to technical queries about optical appliance orders |
2. Check optical appliance orders | 2.1 Verify details of order received against client record 2.2 Organise required equipment and materials 2.3 Check the spectacles on the focimeter to identify and verify powers, axes and centration 2.4 Determine any axis or centring error and apply Australian standards tolerances 2.5 Check lens surface for scratching and aberrations 2.6 Adjust frames to standard alignment and check for strain as appropriate 2.7 Clean spectacles using cleaning agents suited to the material 2.8 Fit appliances from checked orders to client |
3. Service optical appliance orders | 3.1 Identify maintenance and adjustment requirements for optical appliances 3.2 Make minor repairs and identify when work needs to be referred to specialist frame repairer 3.3 Make standard frame adjustments to optical appliances 3.4 Fit and edge lenses according to scope of own job role and organisation requirements |
4. Maintain equipment | 4.1 Clean equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and infection control procedures 4.2 Complete routine maintenance procedures on equipment in accordance with manufacturer's requirements 4.3 Store equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
transposed at least 10 different prescriptions
placed orders for all of the following processes and materials and frames
spectacle lens edging
plastic frames
metal frames
nylon (nyl-tag) rimless
tinted lenses
checked at least 10 different orders using focimeter, other equipment and standard checking processes, including:
calculated minimum size uncut (MSU) using centration chart and by calculation to allow for PD and decentration for prism
identified completed spectacle lens thickness
used problem solving techniques in reducing unwanted vertical and/or horizontal prism and rectifying off-axis lenses
interpreted transmission and absorption data including manufacturer’s transmission curves
corrected neutralisation
determined:
additions
axes
centration
powers
prism
edged and fitted lenses, including:
single vision
bifocal and/or progressive
completed all of the following minor repairs, adjustments and frame part replacements:
repaired and serviced nylon rims
lens insertion
fitted frame
soldered metal frames
replaced:
temples
fronts
pads
screws
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
manufacturer transmission curves and how to interpret them
transmission and absorption data and how to interpret
nature of vacuum coatings on lenses, including:
absorptive (tinted) coatings
handling, cleaning and care of coatings
manufacturing processes
multiple layer anti-reflection (AR) coatings
single AR coating
surface reflections and ghost images
filter and tinted lens processes including:
Australian standards
transmission testing including equipment and instrumentation, equipment limitations and Australian standards
properties of lenses:
curve selection and thickness considerations
Australian standards requirements
frame measurement systems, including boxing and datum
drilled rimless frames including mounts and rimless types and equipment needed
scope of metal and plastic frame material including:
heating
manipulation
adjusting
handling
repair
standard nylon rims including the equipment needed
impact resistant safety lenses including:
advantages and disadvantages
Australian standards for both general purpose and industrial use
evaluation of materials including glass, CR-39 (allyl diglycol carbonate), trivex, higher index plastics, polycarbonate and laminates
impact resistance
lens glazing and grooving techniques
automatic edging processes including:
machine designs
machine operation
edging and fitting techniques for single vision and bifocal/progressive lenses
scope of routine maintenance for optical equipment
workplace processes for equipment maintenance:
routine checking of equipment
preparation of a maintenance program
encouraging feedback from work colleagues
regular back-ups of data
keeping a log book of detected faults
regular occupational health and safety inspections
checking that repairs have been carried out
current and emerging technology used in optical work
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
automatic edgers
hand edgers
blockers
markers
focimeters (lensmeters)
nylon groover
drill
parallel rules
papillary distance (PD) or millimetre rules
frame tools
frames
lenses
adhesive and protection pads/films
formers
frame heater
soldering unit
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
integration of time constraints
integration of problem solving activities
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |