Optical Production Processes
Level 2 Correspondence Course

An easier way to study

The qualification is designed for optical technicians who work in a wide variety of roles in spectacle lenses and glazing, as well as contact lenses. The course will provide you with a broad industry overview and deliver learning outcomes appropriate to your workplace experience. Simply pick the relevant modules and units from the syllabus.

The correspondence course is designed to fit easily into even the busiest job schedule and lifestyle. Your personal SMC tutor will take you through a series of papers covering the syllabus and you can work at your own pace.

An affordable training solution

All your course fees and materials are met by an affordable one-off payment [see Fees page]. Exams are held in December and June. Entrance to the exam is available directly without study for those who feel that they already have sufficient knowledge.

Your employer may help with part or even all of this fee and we recommend that you speak to them in the first instance. Your local Learning and Skills Council in England and the equivalent Government bodies in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland may offer a grant towards the course and qualification because it is nationally approved and on the National Qualifications Framework.

This course is different from the well known Gold Standard Level 4 Course for Optical Technicians (SMC Tech), because it is available to contact lens and eye prosthesis technicians, as well as those working in the spectacle manufacturing sector. It is less advanced (Level 2 instead of Level 4) and requires only a basic knowledge of mathematics. It covers the whole production process, from order receipt through manufacture to despatch.

The course is undertaken by distance learning and / or by use of other SMC training days. Examinations are normally held in London and regional venues throughout the UK.

The Syllabus

Your course will comprise three modules. The first two are mandatory and the third is selected by you from the three industry specialisms - simply choose the most relevant to you.

Mandatory Modules:

1) Introduction Module L2.1

To provide a foundation of knowledge of how the industry operates and the roles and responsibilities of employees.

2) Mandatory Module L2.2

Understanding: Receiving, processing and despatch of orders including checking, packing, labelling and shipping. The responsibilities for meeting safety, health and environmental requirements in the workplace. The importance of effective working relationships.

Choose ONE of these specialist modules:

Spectacle Manufacturing Module L2.3

Understanding the fundementals for making spectacle lenses and finishing lenses.

Choose TWO units that will give an understanding of producing spectacle lenses, or the glazing and finishing of spectacles, or the special treatment of lenses (tinting, hard and vacuum coating etc), or the principles and processes of stocking product or the adjustment and the repair of spectacles, or the starting up and running of a machine based production process.

Produce and finish spectacle lenses L2.3.6
Produce and finish spectacles L2.3.7
Receive, store and monitor stock L2.3.11*
Carry out specialist lens treatments L2.3.12
Provide an optical repair service L2.3.13
Start up and maintain a machine-based production service L2.3.14*
* NB Units 2.3.122 and 2.3.14 cannot be selected together.

Contact Lens Manufacturing Module L2.4

Understanding the fundementals for making contact lenses

Choose TWO units that will give an understanding of manufacturing and packaging lathe cut gas permeable lenses and / or soft contact lenses, or of manufacturing and packaging moulded and cast contact lenses, or the principles and processes of stocking contact lenses, or starting up and running of a machine-based production process.

Process lathe cut contact lenses L2.4.8
Process moulded contact lenses L2.4.9
Receive, store and monitor stock L2.4.11*
Start up and maintain a machine-based production service L2.4.12*
* NB 2.4.11 and 2.4.14 cannot be selected together