SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Optical Manufacturing Processes 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50040  Further Education and Training Certificate: Optical Manufacturing Processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  154  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification provides learners with access to such employment opportunities through providing them with the required applied competencies that are formalised and recognised in the optical manufacturing sector, and to remain nationally and internationally comparable. Through the achievement of this qualification qualified learners can contribute to this sector in the manufacturing of lenses and optical appliances. This qualification reflects the need of the sector to provide formal, recognised and registered qualifications and unit standards where this was not available previously. The qualification also provides the learner with the essential skills needed at a technical level and will facilitate a pathway for further learning and will give recognition for existing skills and knowledge. This qualification aims to promote professionalism and work ethics in the sector whilst providing portable skills into other areas and areas of specialisation. It provides learners with opportunities for further education and training at higher levels as well as continued professional development.

A person acquiring this qualification will be able to:
  • Communicate effectively using a range of strategies to identify and solve optical manufacturing related problems.
  • Use optical materials and instruments to manufacture lenses.
  • Apply thin films and coating processes to ophthalmic lenses.
  • Fit ophthalmic lenses and/or optical appliances into spectacle frames.
  • Contribute to quality practices during optical manufacturing through tolerance and troubleshooting activities.
  • Promote, implement and maintain procedures that support safety, health and the environment.

    Rationale:

    The current optometrist/technician ratio of 2:1 falls far short of the ideal of 1:3 resulting in the need for learners who are qualified and have the necessary applied competencies to operate as an optical technician. This growing demand for qualified, competent optical technicians is evident as a result of a number of important factors. Firstly, optical manufacturing has become a scarce skill. Secondly, the development and implementation of new technologies that have a current and future impact on the discipline. Thirdly, exploring the export potential of the discipline. Fourthly, the need to align this discipline with other related sectors thereby creating opportunities for portability and career opportunities for qualifying learners through improved employability.

    The range of typical learners that will benefit from this qualification are ophthalmic/optical technicians, precision opticians and employees working behind the scenes that are responsible for surfacing, glazing, coating and repair of lenses, repair and manufacture of spectacle frames; metrology, optical metrology; as well as those who apply mechanical knowledge of optical components and who work with optical materials and instruments, etc.

    Since this optical discipline has not previously had formal qualifications or training, people who have worked in this field require validation by being given access to formal qualifications and standards. The qualification will therefore be able to affirm the experiences of optical technicians through the recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and achievement of competencies.

    The qualification aims at developing a competent and professional sector for the effective delivery of services. The applied competencies demonstrated within this qualification are essential for a positive impact on ophthalmic, social, economic and political transformation within the South African democracy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    The structure of this unit standards-based qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.
  • Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

    Access to the Qualification

    Open access bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 154 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 78 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 212 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 20 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Qualifying learners are able to:

    1. Communicate effectively using a range of strategies to identify and solve optical manufacturing related problems.
    2. Use optical materials and instruments to manufacture lenses.
    3. Apply thin films and coating processes to ophthalmic lenses.
    4. Fit ophthalmic lenses and/or optical appliances into spectacle frames.
    5. Contribute to quality practices during optical manufacturing through tolerance and troubleshooting activities.
    6. Promote, implement and maintain procedures that support safety, health and the environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication skills are used effectively in the work environment.
  • Text and subtext of verbal and non-verbal communication is identified and interpreted correctly.
  • Communication is used during the process of learning as an individual or in a group situation.
  • Calculations and statistics are used correctly and accurately in managing an optical manufacturing process.
  • A range of communication strategies are identified and utilised in solving optical related problems.

    2.
  • Lens types and materials are identified for selection purposes.
  • Lens blank is selected in accordance with the prescription.
  • Lens is layered out and surfaced to a prescribed specification.
  • Optical lenses are cleaned and inspected in accordance with standard operating procedures.

    3.
  • Industrial hardening methods are used in coating processes.
  • The required protection is applied against ultra-violet and infrared radiation.
  • Tint and coating processes are applied to ophthalmic lenses.
  • Surface reflection methods are applied during coating processes.
  • Coating processes are quality assure in accordance with industry quality and safety standards.

    4.
  • The lens to be fitted is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the spectacle frame.
  • The lens is fitted in accordance with shape and mounting of frame.
  • The appropriate quality assurance measures are applied in accordance with industry quality and safety standards.

    5.
  • Knowledge and comprehension of optical manufacturing concepts and its effects on quality optical products and materials are applied according to manufacturing principles.
  • Quality control practices are performed during optical manufacturing processes according to standard operating procedures.
  • Quality assurance procedures are monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures.
  • Tolerance and troubleshooting activities are undertaken to ensure quality assurance procedures are followed.

    6.
  • Monitor the application of procedures to ensure personal safety, health and environmental protection according to the organisation's quality management and safety policy.
  • Validate and verify data and specifications obtained during manufacturing procedures according to applicable legislation and company specifications.
  • Monitor and control the quality system of prescription interpretation in accordance with the organisation's quality management policy.

    Integrated assessment:
  • Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification.
  • Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.
  • Assessment of communication and mathematical literacy should be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and should use practical administration contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.
  • The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.
  • Assessors must assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
  • Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared with the following similar ABDO (Association of British Dispensing Opticians) Training courses and qualifications offered in the United Kingdom and the USA.
  • The Contact Lens Certificate covers anatomy, visual optics, and contact lens practice.
  • The Dispensing Diploma is a three year course enabling the learners to use the title FBDO (Fellow of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians) and has been divided into first, second and third year levels of study.
  • A range of dispensing revision courses cover anatomy and physiology, ophthalmic lenses, optics and visual optics.
  • The Contact Lens Certificate (Advanced Course) has both the theoretical and practical examination at the end of the course and candidates use FDBOCL after their name or ABDO CL if they hold a different optical qualification to FBDO.

    No such a qualification exists in Optical Manufacturing Processes in Africa and the relevant providers may adopt this qualification.

    The qualification contains more mechanical competencies than clinical when compared with the above-mentioned qualifications. This is because the Further Education and Training Certificate in Optical Manufacturing Processes is a more specialised qualification aimed specifically for Optical Laboratory Technicians. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with the following proposed and registered Qualifications:

    Horizontally:
  • FETC in Mechanical Engineering: Tool Manufacturing
  • FETC in Metrology

    Vertically:
  • National Certificate in Clinical Engineering: NQF Level 5
  • National Diploma in Dispensing: NQF Level L6 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with an appropriate Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the exit level outcomes described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the unit standards that make up this qualification. The following criteria are specified for an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a similar qualification at NQF level 5 or above or equivalent.
  • Be experienced in the fields of optical manufacturing for a minimum of number of 3 years.
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  120269  Apply different lens treatments/Tinted and protective lenses  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
    Core  10022  Comply with organisational ethics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120267  Cut and fit lens according to frame shape  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  7791  Display cultural awareness in dealing with customers and colleagues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  120262  Layout and surface a lens to a prescribed specification  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Core  13235  Maintain the quality assurance system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  13224  Monitor the application of safety, health and environmental protection procedures  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  110023  Present information in report format  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  120265  Select appropriate lens material and lens blank as prescribed  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8972  Interpret a variety of literary texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  116714  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  117877  Perform one-to-one training on the job  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114600  Apply innovative thinking to the development of a small business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  9905  Change and set tooling  Level 4  NQF Level 04  16 
    Elective  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  13331  Diagnose and repair faults on tooling during the production run  Level 4  NQF Level 04  24 
    Elective  114591  Implement an action plan for business operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  110009  Manage administration records  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  114586  Manage finances of a new venture  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  13314  Produce complex components using lathes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Elective  13305  Produce complex components using milling machines  Level 4  NQF Level 04  29 
    Elective  9749  Quantify analyte concentrations in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Elective  115753  Conduct outcomes-based assessment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  12665  Control production and resource scheduling and planning in a manufacturing environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  9904  Coordinate work group to produce product  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  10631  Demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing, principles, methodologies and processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Elective  117874  Guide learners about their learning, assessment and recognition opportunities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  110464  Monitor the quality system in the laboratory  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  10604  Manage skills, training and development within a team in a manufacturing unit  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.