Which role is responsible for cutting, grinding, finishing, polishing, and mounting the lenses in eyeglasses?

• A. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
• B. Opticians
• C. Ophthalmic technicians
• D. Ophthalmic assistants

Answer: (A)

The key idea is who handles the actual fabrication of lenses in eyeglasses. Cutting, grinding, finishing, polishing, and mounting lenses are all lab processes that turn a prescription into a ready-to-wear pair of glasses. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians work in the lab using specialized equipment (edgers, grinders, polishers, mounting tools) to shape the lenses to the exact prescription, bevel and fit the edges, finish the surfaces, and then mount the finished lenses into frames. This role is focused on producing the lenses themselves, often behind the scenes, before the glasses ever reach the patient.

In contrast, opticians mainly act as the patient-facing fitters and consultants: they help select frames, take measurements (like pupillary distance and frame fit), verify that lenses are suitable for the chosen frames, and perform adjustments. They may handle some basic edging or mounting in smaller shops, but the detailed lens fabrication—cutting to shape, grinding, finishing, polishing, and mounting—belongs to the ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Ophthalmic technicians and assistants typically support clinicians and patient care rather than the actual lens manufacturing.