Finishing Assistant

Description of position:
Analyses, shapes and mounts ophthalmic lenses in frames. Does the assembly with manual tools. Operates optical equipment for frame tracing, lens analysing, blocking, edging, and drilling of mounting holes. Adjust bevels, grooves and polishes edges of cut lenses.

Daily tasks and responsibilities:

  • Controls the quality of ophthalmic lenses; operates a lens analyzer to measure power, cylinder axis, pupilary distances and prism values.
  • Verifies that data on work tickets corresponds and that tolerance chart was respected.
  • Analyses approximately 100 trays per hour.
  • Operates a computerized blocker by scanning job tray to stick a hard plastic block on uncut lenses as per data on work ticket, for handling during edging.
  • Sets tray requiring special handling aside and delivers to custom edging area.
  • Blocks approximately 100 trays per hour.
  • Operates computerized edgers to shape lenses for frame by scanning job tray. Lens cut will be done as per data on work ticket. Regular or groove cut.
  • Oversees automated machines: marker-blocker, edger.
  • Removes block from lens by inserting and pressing lever on deblocker.
  • Removes adhesive pads from blocks and sets blocks on a towel to dry.
  • Operates electric hand-stone to make small adjustments on lens size, bevels and polishes edges.
  • Uses tongs to dip lenses in hot dye and ultra-violet (UV) coating for seconds or minutes required by tint ordered.
  • Verifies UV reading on a UV meter.
  • Mounts lenses in metal, plastic or rimless frames by using manual tools while seated.
  • Aligns frame and lenses using mark-up charts.
  • Controls final product quality, esthetical and technical aspect.
  • Operates a lens analyzer to measure lens power, cylinder axis, pupilary distances and prism values.
  • Re-verifies that data on work ticket corresponds and that tolerance chart was respected.
  • Checks lenses for flaws, cleans eyeglasses with soapy water and soft cloths.
  • Places eyeglasses in a case, empty trays of extra work tickets.
  • Scans job tray to print shipping ticket and wraps cases with shipping ticket.
  • Shipping department scans job trays to print license plate and shipping manifest. Places orders into greys bins allocated for each warehouses.
  • Stacks empty trays.


Non-Essential Functions and Tasks:

  • Assists in other departments of the laboratory as necessary.


Qualifications (Costco-specific or industry-specific skills that candidates must possess):

  • Education/Training:    High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Licenses/Certifications:    None.
  • Experience:        Experience in optical lab finishing is preferred.  
  • Knowledge/Skills:    Manual dexterity is required. Basic mathematical ability is required. Attention to detail is
  • required.
  • Other:         



Knowledge and talents recommended for job success:
NOTE: For postings in Quebec locations, candidates must be able to communicate in French (oral and written).