At Cherry Optical Lab, we’re not just keeping up with lens manufacturing - we’re setting the pace. We’re constantly upgrading our machines to streamline our processes and push the boundaries of what’s possible, to not only meet demand but to level up standards and bring better, higher-quality products to independent optical practices.

And when the industry shifts, we’re already there.

We know that to make the world’s best lenses, we have to put the latest technology into the hands of expert craftsmen.

That’s why Cherry has made major investments in tech, including in Backside Coating. We've integrated Dualities, Velocities, and a conveyor belt system. And these upgrades have transformed the way we work.

Our 1st Shift Team Lead in Backside Coating, Aaron, saw firsthand how these machines completely transformed the Lab’s workflow. “We used to clean the lenses by hand and run them between departments manually, on a cart,” explains Aaron. “Now, the conveyor belts and machines do that work.”

So not only have we increased speed, but we’ve also slashed handling, which has drastically reduced errors. And, the results speak for themselves: our machines deliver a staggering 99.5% success rate, up from 96% just a few years ago.

But even still, “we’re always looking for ways to get better,” says Aaron, because that’s the Cherry mindset: We Are Seekers of Better.

But the best technology means nothing without the best people.

Even more impressive (and even more important) than the tech are the hands that run our machines; they’re expert craftsmen who are obsessed with making the world’s best lenses.

We know that, as powerful as technology is, it’s not what drives quality. That comes from the people - the ones working behind the machines, behind every single lens that leaves our facility.

Take Mandie, for example. Behind each coated lens is someone like her: skilled hands, sharp eyes, and a mindset focused on improvement.

Mandie joined Cherry in April 2021 as an AR Lab Tech for Backside Coating. She stepped into the world of optics with no prior experience, and the learning curve was steep. “They kind of just threw me in it,” she laughs. But, she embraced the opportunity. With the help of a few mentors, Mandie quickly learned how to identify lens defects with a kind of precision that only comes with practice and perseverance.

And, her journey didn’t end in one department. “I’ve also worked in Trace here and there,” she explains. “That was cool because I actually learned things that helped me and our department with anti-reflective coating.” Her cross-training not only made her a more versatile team member, it also gave her insight into how each department connects, creating a stronger Lab.

Mandie’s drive to learn and evolve is a reflection of the culture we foster here at Cherry. It’s about staying curious, and always asking ‘What’s next?’

“There’s always the opportunity to learn something else—you just need to ask,” Aaron says. And in a field as fast-moving as optics, the learning never really stops. New techniques emerge, technologies improve, and standards rise.

“Optical is constantly changing, so you have to be able to learn new things and adapt,” Mandie adds. “I feel like every day we come in and there’s something new we can learn.”

But we don’t just train people, we transform them.

We’re not just building lenses, we’re building confidence. Because we believe the best work happens when people feel seen and supported.

"Being part of a progressive company that understands the value of happy, fulfilled employees is incredible,” says Mandie. “Our future is bright, and it comes from within."

Aaron agrees: “It’s a community here. And it’s awesome.”

And that sense of belonging goes far beyond the workplace. Just ask Mandie: “I feel like I’ve become a more confident person even outside of work,” she says. “We’re empowered to set goals to better ourselves, not just the company.”

That kind of culture isn’t just good for team morale—it directly benefits our customers. Because when our team is learning and improving, we make better products, faster turnarounds, and Happier Humans.