ABOUT R&D Optical Lab

R&D’s Laboratory Technology

R&D Optical Lab, LLC is an independent lab on the cutting-edge of optical technology. We produce all of our prescription lenses using the latest equipment that produces the highest quality products. Our state-of-the-art optical lab features computer-automated equipment to ensure quick turnaround and pinpoint accuracy. Our full-service lab includes state of the art Schneider digital equipment and the Fusion coating unit that offers one of the strongest non-glare lenses in the market as well as the best mirror lenses available, next-day.

Quality Is Our Way of Business

Utilizing the state-of-the-art equipment, we can work with all of your patients’ measurements and specifications to produce a truly individualized lens that is optimized for the wearer.

Our warranty is… “Whatever you feel is fair!” Our goal is to keep our customers satisfied and for you to have R&D Optical as your go-to specialty lens supplier. We stand behind every pair of glasses we make and if there is a problem we will make it right.

Our goal is to make sure every pair that leaves our lab exceeds the expectations of the office and the patient. Having an expertise in fulfilling difficult orders — and since our highly trained staff consists of the best technical personnel — we expect only the best quality in every custom lens we produce. As well, we keep thousands of lenses in stock from all of the top manufacturers.

OUR TEAM
Experience You Can Count On

Ronald Cooke, President and CEO, has 28 years of experience in ophthalmic sales and service. Ronald understands the vital need for eyecare providers to meet their patient’s needs with quality eyewear. That is why he personally oversees the ordering, manufacturing, and quality control processes at R&D Optical Lab.

Working his way through the ranks at Diversified Ophthalmics, he held positions including, but not limited to Lab Manager, National Lab Director, Director of Sales and Marketing, and ultimately COO where he managed the operations of all divisions. In addition to his time with D.O., he also spent more than three years selling AR equipment for Leybold Optics, now part of the Buhler Group. He was the National Director of Sales for North America and traveled the U.S. and Canada from coast to coast working with labs to integrate AR coating facilities or enhancing current coating labs.

Kevin Vallandingham, Lab Director, has 28 years of lab experience in specialty lens work. As quality control manager in a wholesale optical lab, Kevin was able to virtually eliminate returns due to his high standards and expertise in crafting quality lenses. He worked with Lenscrafters for three years where he performed every function in the lab. Additionally, Kevin produced and distributed quality eyewear with Eye World for seven years where he also did tracing, shipping, and everything in between. In addition, he was a singer in a rock ‘n’ roll band on the side!

Pat McMahon, Territory Manager, has 20 years in the optical business. During that time, he served the southern Ohio area as an Account Manager providing solutions for soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, ophthalmic lab, stock ophthalmic lenses and optical frames. His proven approach for treating each job as the most important results in a singular focus of placing that customer as his top priority. It’s an approach that his R&D Optical Lab customers recognize and appreciate. They know Pat will get it done right.

Debbie Sparks, Territory Manager, has 17 years in the optical industry as an Account Manager, servicing her customer’s needs with eyeglass lenses, eyeglass frames, contact lenses and practice building solutions. Her keen attention to detail combined with her strong follow-up skills result in excellent customer service for R&D Optical Lab customers. She understands that when all customer touch points are done right by the R&D Optical Lab team it means the customer has experienced the R&D difference. A first-class customer experience with a quality product delivered right.

Shaunette Long, Customer Liaison, has 18 years of experience in the ophthalmic industry. She brings a breath of experience having worked in all areas of the lab. This includes managing customer service in the lab’s finish room as well as in contact lenses distribution. She handles many responsibilities at R&D Optical Lab including accounts payable, system maintenance along with marketing support and anything else that is needed to serve our customers.

Roger Art, Lab Technician Extraordinaire, has 34 years of experience working in all areas of the optical laboratory. He excels in detailed work and has proven expertise in processing difficult jobs. A focus on maintaining the R&D Optical Lab machinery in peak working condition, another aspect of his position, ensures our customers get their jobs processed quickly and correctly while eliminating any downtime.

Michelle Koth Retires
Big congratulations to Michelle Koth as she retires after serving 30 years in the optical industry. Michelle was instrumental in setting up the R&D shipping department and ensuring all shipments were accurate every day. She was with R&D Optical when the business launched and had previously worked for Diversified Ophthalmics. Enjoy your retirement Michelle.