Optical Production Processes
Level 3 Correspondence Course

This Course is expected to be available from February 2011. Below is set out the expected format and content of the examination.

This Level 3 qualification is targeted at senior optical technicians or optical manufacturing supervisors who work in small, medium or large organisations who manufacture ophthalmic lenses, spectacles or lathe-cut or moulded contact lenses.

The qualification is designed as a progression step from the Level 2 Certificate in Optical Production Processes and to cover the knowledge required for those working in or supervising a modern optical production unit. It covers more of the process requirements rather than the detailed technical knowledge of spectacle or contact lens manufacture. The syllabus structure and the knowledge requirements are set out module by module on the following pages.

The structure is designed with eight units for spectacle manufacture and seven units for contact lens manufacture made up of core and optional units.

Core units – there are three mandatory units that relate to knowledge that is applicable to all types of manufacturing

Spectacle units – there are five units to be undertaken. These have been arranged for the different types of spectacle manufacture in which the candidate will wish to be trained or assessed:

one unit from two to do with assuring the quality of spectacles or spectacle lenses,
plus
two units from a selection of five covering assuring quality, specialist lenses or treatments and setting up precision optical machinery,
plus
two units from a selection of four that cover supervisory skills.

The candidate will choose which five he or she wishes to take.

Contact Lens units – there are four units to be taken. These have been arranged for the different types of contact lens manufacture in which the candidate will wish to be trained or assessed:

two mandatory units to do with assuring the quality contact lenses and setting up precision optical equipment,
plus
two units from a selection of four that cover supervisory skills.

The candidate will choose which four he or she wishes to take.

The Level 3 Optical Production Processes Course is currently under production and will be launched during academic year 2010-2011. The syllabus can be accessed through this link (Printable word doc)