Lesson 1Blank lens selection: blank indexing, selecting base curve and diameter, matching index and blank specificationsThis section explains how to select appropriate lens blanks based on prescription, material index, base curve, and diameter. It covers blank indexing, compatibility with coatings, and stock versus surfaced options to ensure optimal optics and cosmetics.
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 section focuses on accurate prescription intake and verification. It covers reading sphere, cylinder, axis, prism, and add, plus PD and fitting height measurement. Learners review tolerances, documentation, and communication 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 section explains edging, grooving, and beveling strategies for different frame types. It covers bevel profiles, groove depth, edge thickness control, safety bevels, and preventing chipping or stress 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 section covers edging, mounting, and frame fitting for plastic and metal frames. It includes heat and pressure techniques, lens alignment, pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, and bridge fit checks to ensure comfort, safety, and optical performance.
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 section covers blocking equipment, block types, and centration techniques for accurate lens positioning. It includes PD and height transfer, compensation for pantoscopic tilt and wrap, and checks to prevent slippage, warpage, or axis errors during 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 section explains hard coat and AR coating workflows, including surface preparation, dip or spin application, and vacuum deposition. It covers curing schedules, cleanliness control, adhesion tests, and visual inspection for colour, defects, and uniformity.
Pre-cleaning and surface activation stepsDip, spin, and spray hard coat methodsUV and thermal curing parametersVacuum chamber loading and maskingAR stack color and reflectance controlLesson 7Documentation, traceability, and labelling: recording blank lot, recipe, surfacing programme, and final checksThis section addresses documentation and traceability requirements in the lab. It covers recording blank lots, machine programmes, process parameters, and inspection results, plus labelling lenses and jobs to support recalls, remakes, and regulatory compliance.
Job ticket fields and coding standardsRecording blank lot and material batchLogging machine settings and programsCapturing inspection and rework resultsLens and tray labeling for traceabilityLesson 8Fining and polishing: abrasive sequence, polish parameters, inspection of surface qualityThis section details fining and polishing sequences used to refine generated surfaces. It addresses pad and tool selection, slurry type, pressure, speed, and time settings, plus inspection of surface quality, haze, and form 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 section details surfacing and digital generation of single-vision and progressive lenses. It covers CNC generator setup, tool selection, coolant, and cleanliness, plus process control for freeform back-surface designs and verification of power and form.
Single-vision vs progressive surfacing flowCNC generator calibration and warm-upTool wear monitoring and replacementCoolant quality, filtration, and flowFreeform design file loading and checks
