When it comes to running an optical practice, the Lab you choose plays a bigger role than you might think; the Lab isn’t just a vendor, it’s an extension of your team. And let’s be real, choosing a Lab isn’t just about who can make lenses the fastest or cheapest. It’s about who gets you: who shares your goals, your values, and your dedication to giving patients the best possible experience.

The deceptively simple question, ‘What makes a great Lab?’ is one that our President, Adam Cherry, unpacked on a recent episode of the Best Practices Podcast hosted by long-time Anagram employee Steve Alexander and highlighted on Invision Magazine.

In this episode, Adam and Steve lay out a framework for how eye care professionals can find a Lab that truly aligns with them.

Choosing a Lab That Supports More Than Orders

In the podcast, Adam made the point that you can’t choose the right Lab unless you first define what you value, saying, “If you don’t take the time to write down what’s important to you, you’re just kind of floating. You might land on a good partner or miss the right one entirely.”

So, what should you consider before deciding on a Lab? Define:

• What does quality look like to you?

• What’s ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’ service?

• How much support do you expect? And how responsive should your Lab be?

• What turnaround times, pricing, and products are you looking for?

• What does failure look like? And how should it be handled?

Clarifying these things up front is key to building a successful Lab relationship.

As Adam would tell you, “Defining the goal ahead of time, while done by hardly anybody, is a great business practice to consider.”

Values and Vision Matter More Than Volume

In the interview, Adam also emphasizes that the best Lab relationships are built on shared values, not just order volume or price points.

He says, “It’s not all about squeezing every dollar. It’s about taking care of your customers, delivering a phenomenal product, taking care of your team members, and having some fun while you’re doing it.”

And that’s exactly how Cherry Optical Lab operates.

We don’t aim to be the biggest. We aim to be the best for our customers, their patients, and our team. That means going the extra mile on communication, always seeking to improve our processes, and offering real human support when you need it the most.

Cherry Optical Lab Could Be Your Perfect Fit

That mindset is what continues to make Cherry Optical Lab unique. We pride ourselves on:

• High standards for quality, consistency, and accuracy

• Accelerated turn times

• Award-winning innovation

• Transparency and support

• A team that truly enjoys what they do

We don’t just make lenses. We help practices succeed by being a Lab you can rely on, from your first order to your thousandth. Let’s see if we’re the Lab you’ve been looking for.

Ready to Rethink Your Lab Strategy?

Whether you’re actively seeking a new Lab or simply want to make sure your current one is pulling its weight, this podcast offers insight you might need.

🎥 Watch the episode → YouTube
📖 Read the full feature → Invision Article