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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Layout and surface a lens to a prescribed specification 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120262  Layout and surface a lens to a prescribed specification 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people who have to solve technical optical problems in a manufacturing and/or assembly process. Learners who achieve this unit standard will demonstrate a fundamental knowledge base of optical manufacturing and contribute to the optical sector in manufacturing lenses and optical appliances by laying-out and surfacing a lens to a prescribed specification.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify, mark and centrate the vertex power of the lens.
  • Perform different surfacing processes.
  • Apply the appropriate quality assurance measures.

    The achievement of this unit standard contributes to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Optical Manufacturing Processes and related qualification. It further contributes to the professional development of learners within the optical manufacturing environment and provides further mobility and transportability within the field of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The range covers the role and purpose of the optical manufacturing sector. It includes the practices, culture, quality standards, legal framework, main activities and expectations of clients in the optical manufacturing sector.

    This unit standard is intended for learners who are being prepared as competent ophthalmic/optical technicians, precision opticians, employees behind optical scenes that responsible for surfacing, glazing, coating and repair of lenses, repair and manufacture of spectacle frames, metrology, optical metrology, need to apply mechanical knowledge of optical components, work with optical materials and instruments. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify, mark and centrate the vertex power of the lens. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Measuring, centration, de-centration, put surface saver tape, blocking, prism rings, layout, use lead. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate lens design and material is verified in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The vertex power is measured by using a vertometer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The lens size, frame centre and effective diameter of a frame are determined when decentralizing lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Prism effect in decentred lenses is verified in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The causes and effects of incorrect identification, marking, and centration of lenses are explained in relation to optical production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Apply relationships between lens power and lens thickness. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform different surfacing processes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Grinding, surfacing, curvature generating, labs, smoothing, polishing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The spectacle tool required to produce the correct surface powers is calculated for a specific prescription. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The grinding lab tool is maintained and calibrated to perform the surfacing processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The causes and effects of incorrect surfacing are explained in relation to the optical production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate thickness of the polishing pad is calculated to polish the spectacle lens surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct radius of the tool to polish the lens surface is calculated in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The causes and effects of incorrect surfacing, smoothing and polishing are explained in relation to optical production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply the appropriate quality assurance measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different defects are verified and identified that occurred during the actual working of the lens surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate inspection method is applied during visual examination of lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Routine methods of evaluation are applied to ensure the accuracy and quality of workmanship against ophthalmic lens standards and lens verification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate corrective measures are followed in case of an incorrect or unsatisfactory product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Statistics are drawn and a report is produced on corrective actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The causes and effects of incorrect quality assurance measures are explained in accordance with previously identified corrective actions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant 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 unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, 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, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Names, functions and locations of:
  • Various optical organisations and structures.
  • Functional structures within optical organisations.
  • Optical structures and constituencies.

    2. Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • The purpose of optical processes.
  • The activities in planning and timing processes.

    3. Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
  • Optical concepts, theories and practices.
  • Organisational culture.

    4. Cause and effect, implications of:
  • Causality of events.
  • Research process.
  • The processes in providing schedules.

    5. Categories of things, processes, concepts:
  • Spherical, cylindrical, sphero-cylindrical/toric, single-vision, bi-focal, trifocal, multi-focal.
  • Optical centre, vertical pole, prismatic effects.
  • Rough blank, semi-finished blank, uncut and best form.

    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Organisational procedures, methods and techniques.
  • Procedures of optical practices.

    7. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
  • Organisational policies.
  • Relevant Regulations governing Health professions Council.
  • Occupational, Health and Safety Act.
  • Environmental Act.

    8. Theory - rules, laws, principles:
  • Optical terminology.
  • Theory of calculations, instruments and tools.
  • Uses of optical level concepts and principles.
  • Organisational culture.

    9. Relationships, systems:
  • Between the lens manufacturer and prescription services laboratories.
  • Between the optical retailer and client.
  • Between the elements curvature, lens power and refractive index. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Distinguish between the correct and incorrect refractive index and material for the best optical product.
  • Make right decision on best lens form.
  • Understanding and applying organisational policies and procedures.
  • Understanding the relationships. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Support and assistance activities in the manufacturing process.
  • Liaison with clients.
  • The establishment of internal and external relationships. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Following processes, procedures, organisational and sectoral protocols.
  • Identifying and select semi-finished lens blanks and lens material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Interpret and analyse prescription. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Complying with the regulatory framework.
  • Applying the policies and procedures.
  • Providing descriptions, explaining, defining. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Use technology to make calculation and take measurements.
  • Sourcing information on the standards, specifications, policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Between the lens manufacturer and prescription services laboratories.
  • Between the prescription services laboratories and the optical retailer.
  • Between the optical retailer and client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:
  • Definitions:
    > Vertometer also refers to lensometer. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50040   Further Education and Training Certificate: Optical Manufacturing Processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.