HLTOPT406B
Edge and fit ophthalmic appliances

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to edge and fit ophthalmic lenses

Application

The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit related to functions necessary for working within optical technology

Work at this level may be undertaken independently or under guidance and/or supervision


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Operate equipment

1.1 Use relevant equipment to edge and fit lenses

1.2 Clean equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturer's requirements and infection control procedures

1.3 Undertake regular maintenance procedures on equipment in accordance with manufacturers requirements and infection control procedures

1.4 Store equipment and attachments in accordance with manufacturer's requirements and organisation policies and procedures

2. Perform skills in edging and fitting

2.1 Check prescription requirements regarding segment heights, centres and other relevant components

2.2 Prepare for the edging of spectacle lenses

2.3 Edge lenses

2.4 Insert lenses into frames and other appliances using frame fitting equipment

2.5 Use special hand-edging techniques to modify lenses for change-overs and centring corrections

2.6 Edge, groove and mount spectacle lenses to nyl-tag frames

2.7 Edge, drill and mount spectacle lenses to rimless frames

2.8 Perform standard frame alignment

2.9 Fit atypical appliances

3. Utilise computer technology

3.1 Select appropriate technology and software applications to achieve the requirements of the task

3.2 Adjust workspace, furniture and equipment to suit the ergonomic requirements of the user

3.3 Use technology according to organisation requirements and in a way which promotes a safe work environment

3.4 Use edging equipment correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations/instructions

3.5 Carry out or arrange routine maintenance in order to ensure that equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisation requirements

3.6 Identify equipment faults and take action in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or by reporting fault to designated person

4. Perform frame modifications

4.1 Inspect frames for faults prior to glazing

4.2 Modify frames to client specifications

4.3 Repair frames

1. 5. Conduct final checking procedures

5.1 Confirm the appliance against the prescription prior to delivery

5.2 Check that the correct type and form of lens was used in line with client requirements

5.3 Check lens treatments for quality

5.4 Check that the correct frame has been used in line with client request

5.5 Carry out and confirm standard frame alignment

5.6 Confirm completion of job

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Drilled rimless frames including mounts and rimless types and equipment needed Relevant Australian standards

Filter and tinted lens processes including:

Australian standards

plastic lens tinting including dyes and tint types, equipment, preparation, problems and solutions

transmission testing including equipment and instrumentation, equipment limitations and Australian standards

Frame measurement systems including boxing and datum

Glazing techniques

Impact resistant safety lenses including:

advantages and disadvantages

Australian standards for both general purpose and industrial use

evaluation of materials including glass, CR39, higher index plastics, polycarbonate and laminates

impact resistance

impact testing requirements, conditions and procedures

principles and processing of thermal and chemical toughening

problems and special lens requirements

Scope of metal and plastic frame material including heating, manipulation, adjusting, handling and repair

Standard nylon rims including the equipment needed

The properties of lens

The use of impact resistant protective lenses

Vacuum coatings including:

absorptive (tinted) coatings

handling, cleaning and care of coatings

manufacturing processes

multiple layer AR coatings

single AR coating

surface reflections and ghost images

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply drilling techniques

Calculate minimum size uncut (MSU) using centration chart and by calculation to allow for PD and decentration for prism

Correctly and accurately use a focimeter (lensmeter) including:

correct neutralisation

determination of powers

determination of axes

determination of prism

determination of centration

determination of additions

Undertake automatic edging including:

machine designs

blocking/chucking systems

edging wheel designs and characteristics

machine operation

Apply grooving techniques

Fit standard nylon rims

Hand edge using both hand bevelling techniques and safety chamfering

Handle glass and plastic lens material

Handle metal and plastic frame material

Identify and explain the nature of vacuum coatings

Interpret manufacturer's transmission curves

Interpret transmission and absorption data

Mount lens

Rectify off-axis lenses

Repair and service nylon rims

Transpose a prescription

Undertake digital fame tracing

Undertake frame servicing and adjustments

Use appropriate techniques to inset lens and fit frames

Use lens samples and to match samples

Undertake special hand edging techniques including:

changeovers

nasal cut and nasal add (antinasal)

Use problem solving techniques in reducing unwanted vertical and/or horizontal prism

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of actual or simulated workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Resources essential for assessment include:

Access to an optical appliance manufacturing workplace

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Role play/simulation

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

It is recommended that this unit be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:

HLTOPT401B Perform technical procedures for the production of ophthalmic appliances


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Relevant equipment may include:

The following pieces of equipment and instruments

hand edging equipment

automatic edgers

focimeters (lensmeters)

marking/centration devices

calibration and checking tools

frame alignment tools

Lens material includes:

Mineral material

Organic material

Fame material includes:

Metals

Plastics

Repairing and modifying spectacle frames must include:

Soldering metal frames

Undertaking frame part replacements including

temples

fronts

pads

screws

Refitting nylon

re-pinning and riveting joints

sink joints

Alignment

Atypical

Occupationally specific appliances including diving masks, swimming goggles

Low visual aids

Wrap frames

Technology may include:

Computer technology, such as laptops and desktops

Digital cameras

Zip drives

Modems

Scanners

Printers

Industry specific equipment

Software applications may include:

Email, internet

Word processing, spreadsheet, database, accounting, or presentation packages

Industry specific software

Routine maintenance may include:

Regular checking of equipment

Replacing consumables

'In-house' cleaning and servicing of equipment according to manufacturer's guidelines

Periodic servicing by qualified or manufacturer approved technician

Equipment faults or problems may be identified or anticipated by:

Routine checking of equipment

Preparation of a maintenance program

Encouraging feedback from work colleagues

Regular back-up of data

Keeping a log book of detected faults

Regular occupational health and safety inspections

Checking that repairs have been carried out


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable