CHESTER, Va.— Carl Zeiss Vision is reducing the size of the workforce at two of its prescription labs. Seventy three workers are being laid off at the CZV-Virginia lab here, and a similar downsizing has occurred at the company’s lab in Hebron, Ky., Zeiss spokesperson Jeff Hopkins told VMail.

According to Hopkins, the layoffs are part of a broader strategy by Zeiss to adjust the capabilities of its lab network to meet changing market conditions. “Zeiss is moving to a lab model in which much of our surfacing and coating work is done in larger labs with the most advanced equipment, while our regional labs focus more on finishing and customer service,” Hopkins explained.

“This model provides the ideal balance between high quality lens processing and nearness to the customer. CZV-Virginia remains a vital contributor to our lab network; the lab will now focus primarily on finishing, order intake and excellent customer service. Affected employees have been informed through on-site meetings, and will be offered transition packages, including outplacement.”

Carl Zeiss Vision laboratories generated $146 million in Rx sales last year, making it the fourth largest supplier-owned lab network in the U.S., according to Vision Monday’s 2013 Top Labs Report. The Zeiss network consists of 18 labs which employ 1,000 workers.