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: 

Select appropriate lens material and lens blank as prescribed 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120265  Select appropriate lens material and lens blank as prescribed 
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  10 
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 identifying and selecting semi-finished lens material and blanks.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Interpret prescriptions by analysing the physical characteristics of ophthalmic lenses.
  • Select a lens blank appropriate for the prescription and type of frame fitting.
  • Calculate the lens power and lens thickness by using the appropriate formulas.

    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 
    Interpret prescriptions by analysing the physical characteristics of ophthalmic lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamental knowledge of lens forms and lens designs are applied in the interpretation of prescriptions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Lens forms include; spherical, cylindrical and sphero-cylindrical/toric. Lens designs include; single-vision, bi-focal, tri-focal and progressive lenses, field of view of spectacle lenses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The vertex power and the rules of accurate transposition are followed in the interpretation of the prescription. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lens materials are selected with the physical characteristics and properties appropriate for the prescription. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The causes and effects of incorrect interpretation are explained in relation to optical product selection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select a lens blank appropriate for the prescription and type of frame fitting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamental knowledge of lens blanks and base curves are demonstrated in the identification and selection process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Lens blanks and base curves include; rough blank, semi-finished blank, uncut and best form.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The minimum lens blank size is selected for a particular prescription by applying the effective diameter calculation and by measuring the distance between centers/frame PD. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The causes and effects of incorrect lens blanks used are explained in relation to the identification and selection process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Calculate the lens power and lens thickness by using the appropriate formulas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate lens material is selected by applying the lens thickness theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate formula is applied to determine centre thickness and edge thickness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Approximate sagitta formula, Exact sagitta formula, and Formula relating power to centre thickness and edge thickness.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The thickness of cylindrical and sphero-cylindrical lenses are calculated by using different methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements of minimum edge or centre thickness of spectacle lenses are applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact of utilising the incorrect refractive index, material, centre thickness, edge thickness and cosmetic effect are considered in the calculation of lens power and lens thickness. 


    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:

    > Multi-focal: also refers to varifocal.
    > Sphero-cylindrical lens: also refers to toric lens.
    > Centers: also refers to frame PD. 
    		•

    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.