As Vision Monday’s lenses and technology editor, Andrew Karp has visited a lot of optical laboratories. Viewed from outside, most labs are unremarkable. Often located in industrial parks or on side streets, their drab exteriors give little indication of what goes on inside. Step onto the production floor, though, and you’ll see a scene humming with activity. Technicians are loading generators, edgers and coating machines, job trays are moving along conveyors, quality inspectors are checking lenses for flaws and Rx orders are being packed for shipment to customers. It’s an optical ballet in which every movement is carefully choreographed, and it requires skill, energy and careful attention to detail to execute. If it’s been a while since you last visited your lab, Karp recommends that you schedule a visit to see what’s new. If you can’t get there in person, though, try taking a virtual tour. Read More.