Lesson 1Blank lens selection: blank indexing, selecting base curve and diameter, matching index and blank specificationsThis part explains selecting suitable lens blanks based on prescription, material index, base curve, and diameter. It includes blank indexing, coating compatibility, and stock versus surfaced choices for best optics and appearance.
Reading and decoding blank package labelsChoosing base curve by Rx and frame wrapSelecting blank diameter for decentrationMatching refractive index and material familyStock versus semi-finished blank decisionsLesson 2Prescription intake and verification: interpreting sphere/cylinder/axis/Add, PD and fitting height measurement best practicesThis part emphasises accurate prescription intake and checks. It covers interpreting sphere, cylinder, axis, prism, and add, plus PD and fitting height measurement. Learners review tolerances, records, and talks with prescribers and patients.
Decoding sphere, cylinder, axis, and prismNear add power and working distance linksMonocular PD and binocular PD techniquesFitting height for single vision and progressivesRx verification and ANSI tolerance checksLesson 3Edging, grooving, and beveling: rim type considerations (full-rim, semi-rimless grooving, drilled mounting), edge thickness controlThis part covers edging, grooving, and beveling for various frame types. It includes bevel profiles, groove depth, edge thickness management, safety bevels, and avoiding chips or cracks in high-index and rimless designs.
Bevel selection for full-rim framesGroove depth and width for nylor mountsDrill point placement and crack preventionManaging edge thickness and cosmetic appealSafety bevels and sharp edge removalLesson 4Mounting and frame fitting: heat/pressure adjustments for plastic or metal frames, lens alignment, verifying pantoscopic tilt and vertex distance in frameThis part addresses edging, mounting, and frame fitting for plastic and metal frames. It covers heat and pressure methods, lens alignment, pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, and bridge fit for comfort, safety, and optics.
Frame inspection and measurement reviewHeating techniques for plastic framesAdjusting temples, bridge, and nose padsControlling pantoscopic tilt and wrap angleVerifying vertex distance on the wearerLesson 5Blocking and centration: cement blocks, blocking types (centering, pantoscopic tilt), blocking for progressive fitting height and PDThis part covers blocking tools, block types, and centration for precise lens placement. It includes PD and height transfer, tilt and wrap compensation, and checks to avoid slippage, warping, or axis errors in surfacing.
Manual vs automatic blocker setupTransferring monocular PD and fitting heightCompensating for pantoscopic tilt and wrapBlock selection, alloy, and adhesive padsVerifying decentration and axis before surfacingLesson 6Coating application: vacuum deposition for AR, dip/spray for hard coats, curing protocols and inspectionThis part explains hard coat and AR coating processes, including prep, dip or spin application, and vacuum deposition. It covers curing times, cleanliness, adhesion tests, and checks for colour, defects, and evenness.
Pre-cleaning and surface activation stepsDip, spin, and spray hard coat methodsUV and thermal curing parametersVacuum chamber loading and maskingAR stack colour and reflectance controlLesson 7Documentation, traceability, and labeling: recording blank lot, recipe, surfacing program, and final checksThis part handles lab documentation and traceability. It covers noting blank lots, machine settings, process details, and inspection outcomes, plus labelling lenses and jobs for recalls, remakes, and compliance in Botswana labs.
Job ticket fields and coding standardsRecording blank lot and material batchLogging machine settings and programsCapturing inspection and rework resultsLens and tray labelling for traceabilityLesson 8Fining and polishing: abrasive sequence, polish parameters, inspection of surface qualityThis part details fining and polishing steps to smooth generated surfaces. It addresses pad and tool choices, slurry type, pressure, speed, time, plus checks for surface quality, haze, and shape accuracy before coating or edging.
Abrasive pad grits and sequence planningTool curvature and lap matching basicsSlurry composition, flow, and filtrationPressure, speed, and cycle time settingsDetecting haze, pits, and orange peel defectsLesson 9Surfacing and generation: single-vision surfacing vs. progressive/back-surface designs, CNC generator parameters, tool selectionThis part details surfacing and digital generation for single-vision and progressive lenses. It covers CNC setup, tool choice, coolant, cleanliness, process control for freeform back designs, and power and shape verification.
Single-vision vs progressive surfacing flowCNC generator calibration and warm-upTool wear monitoring and replacementCoolant quality, filtration, and flowFreeform design file loading and checks
