A professional who sets up and operates lens generating machine to grind ophthalmic and optical element blanks, such as lenses, prisms, and optical flats, to specified curvature and thickness. Responsibilities include:

• Reads work orders, sketch, or blueprint to ascertain grinding specifications.
• Selects specified size holding tool or fabricates tool to fit optic blank.
• Presses blank into holding tool and mounts tool in generator.
• Selects specified diamond grinding wheel and secures wheel on generator spindle.
• Adjusts generator controls to regulate rotation speed of tool and blank, rate of feed, angle of arc, and depth of cut.
• Positions coolant nozzle over blank and starts generator to grind blank to specified curvature and thickness.
• Observes generator operation.
• Stops generator after specified time lapse and measures optic blank to verify curvature and thickness, using precision measuring instruments, such as dial gauge, spherometer, and micrometer.
• May utilize pitch or vacuum holding device to secure blank on holding tool.
• May move generator controls manually to grind blank.
• May operate surface grinder or milling machine to generate optical surfaces.
• May be designated according to type lens ground as cataract-lens generator; eyeglass-lens generator; instrument-lens generator; multifocal-button generator.
• May operate lens generator to remove scratches and true surface of lens and be designated truer.