What goes on in an optical laboratory?
The optical lab is where technicians measure, cut, fit and verify your lenses to meet the requirements of each order while respecting ISO tolerances and standards.
Can you describe a typical day at the lab?
There are different stations along the chain of production: selection, production, assembly, and verification. Each technician is assigned to a station according to a rotating schedule and moves along those stations throughout the day.
What goes into getting a pair of glasses ready to deliver?
A technician prepares trays with corresponding frames and lenses according to each customer order, then validates each request a second time before inserting the lenses in our lens cutting machine. As soon as trimmed lenses come out, another technician polishes them and fits them into the appropriate frames. Once a pair of glasses has been assembled, yet another technician examines it to make sure all requirements have been met in terms of customer order and ISO standards. The lasts steps are cleaning and packaging, and your glasses are ready for shipping!
What sets BonLook’s lab apart from other optical labs?
We’re equipped with the latest technologies and have a great IT team, which definitely optimizes the process. We’re also lucky to be able to store a lot of the frames and lenses and to do most of the work in-house, which cuts down on shipping delays. Last but not least, we have a wonderful team of competent technicians who love to learn.
What is the typical training or background for an optical laboratory technician?
As optical lab technicians, we acquire a foundational knowledge of ophthalmic lenses, lens treatments, and frames, as well as an understanding of the production chain and of the stations that make the laboratory functional. We also receive training that allows us to analyse eyeglasses and their tolerances (in accordance with ISO standards) using a range of tools and equipment.
What changes have you had to make in the lab due to COVID-19 measures?
We are fortunate to have a large laboratory space, which allowed us to rearrange the production stations and workspaces and to install dividers where necessary in order to respect social distancing rules. We’ve also incorporated procedure masks, which we replace every four hours, increased handwashing with the help of hand sanitizing stations, and installed a non-contact thermometer at the entrance.
What’s your favourite BonLook frame?
The Henriette in Rose Gold, from our Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse collaboration. I love its lighthearted and elegant 70s design. You can’t go wrong!
If you’re curious to learn more about our lenses and treatments, head this way >
