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: 

Apply different lens treatments/Tinted and protective lenses 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120269  Apply different lens treatments/Tinted and protective lenses 
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  18 
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 applying different lens treatments.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Use Industrial hardening methods.
  • Apply the required protection against ultra-violet and infrared radiation.
  • Apply tint and coating processes to lenses.
  • Apply surface reflection methods.
  • Quality assure coating processes.

    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 
    Absorbative, lens coatings and hardening.

    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 
    Apply industrial hardening methods. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Industrial hardening, heat hardening, thermal tempering, chemical toughening, impact resistance, strength of lens materials, impact resistance, hard coats, legal ramifications, impact resistance of plastic lenses (CR39 and polycarbonate lens material). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different methods are applied to toughen glass lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various characteristics of safety lenses are discussed with particular reference to how the safety lens derives its strength. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of toughened glass is explained in relation to industrial hardening methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The toughening process of glass is assessed and quality assured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact resistance test is conducted on lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The causes and effects of incorrect interpretation are explained in relation to optical product selection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply the required protection against ultra-violet and infrared radiation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Reflection, absorption and transmission, ultraviolet radiation and treatment, specialised vocational tints for lenses, infrared radiation and treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The transmission factor is calculated for ultra-violet and infrared radiation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate standards are applied for absorptive lenses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for a variation in transmission across the lens in relation to the variation in thickness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sources of radiation are explained in terms of radiation's effect upon the eye. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Causes and effects of incorrect interpretation are explained in relation to optical product selection. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply tint and coating processes to lenses. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Including vacuum coating, polarised lenses, anti-reflection coats, mirror coats.
  • Tints: solid, gradient. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements of different occupational/vocational tinted lenses are explained in the application of tint and coating processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various methods are applied to produce plastic filters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The characteristics of photochromatic glass and plastic are discussed in the application of tint and coating processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages and disadvantages of polarising filters are explained in the application of tint and coating processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Various methods are applied of manufacturing absorptive lenses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply surface reflection methods. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Anti-reflex coating, edge treatments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different types of surface reflection are discussed in the application of lens treatment processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different methods are applied in controlling surface reflection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The optical principles of anti-reflective coating are discussed in the application of lens treatment processes. 

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Quality assure the coating processes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Check consistency of colour, presence of dust particles, scratches, and laminations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    National standards are applied in terms of its relevance to the coating process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Regulations are considered in terms of its relevance to the coating process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The causes and effects of incorrect interpretation are explained in relation to optical product selection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate procedures are followed to rectify faults in the coating process. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.
  • The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and/or be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have experience in the skills specific area.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.
  • Internal moderation must be conducted.
  • External moderation must be conducted.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Assessment of a portfolio of evidence must be done.
  • Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    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.