From first Zemax model to volume production, we design, prototype, and deliver custom optical systems that work the first time. Trusted by startups and Fortune 500 companies.
Trusted By Industry Leaders Worldwide
Where we can help
Clients work with us for many reasons.
Here are a few:
Filling Skills Gaps
Your project needs optical engineering, but your current team is limited in experience or availability in core areas.
Off-the-Shelf Solutions Don't Work
Stock lenses are too expense in volume, don't match your requirements or don't exist.
Lab to Production Is Uncharted Territory
You need to move from an idea or a proof-of-concept to volume manufacturing and want a partner who's done it before.
At Optics for Hire we solve these problems and more.
We cover every stage of optical system development so you get one partner, not six vendors.
Optical Engineering Services Concept to Production
Custom Lens Design
Single-element to multi-element assemblies, optimized in Zemax. We handle tolerance analysis, stray light, and DFM so your lens works in production.
Opto-Electronic Systems
Seamless integration of optical components with electronic systems. From sensor modules to complete imaging platforms with embedded software.
Optical Modeling & Simulation
Sequential and non-sequential ray tracing in Zemax, custom DLL development, and advanced modeling for complex optical systems.
Prototyping to Production
We design, prototype, and produce lenses with turnkey quality control. From your first prototype to volume manufacturing support.
Illumination & LED Optic Design
Innovative illumination solutions for residential, commercial, and outdoor applications with high-quality optical design.
Complete Opto-Mechanical Systems
Detailed drawings for lens elements, assembly layouts, mechanical parts, and full assembly descriptions.
Applied Optics Research & Consulting
Transfer cutting-edge university research to real-world physical prototypes with expert optical consulting.
Lens Testing
ISO testing methodologies to verify optical quality and ensure superior performance of every lens we design.
Projects That Defined Industries
From the first commercial LIDAR lens to smartphone-based medical devices, see how our optical engineering drives real-world breakthroughs.
Custom Asymmetric LED Illumination Lens
Design of a LED illumination optic meeting regulatory light pattern requirements in a small form factor. Prototyping, testing, support of volume production.
Custom VIS-NIR Dual-Band Imaging Lens
Imaging lens design for fluorescence-guided surgical system, full design of 35 mm f/1.65, 7-Element lens, prototyping, testing and production.
Structured-Light Stereovision System for Package 3D Dimensioning
Optical System Design · Prototype Development · 3D Mapping Algorithm Development
High-NA Fluorescence Collection Lens for Flow Cytometry
Optical Design, Prototyping, Validation & Production
Indoor Grow Light Optic
Freeform Reflector + Fresnel Lens. ZEMAX Non-Sequential Design. Prototyping and transfer to volume production.
Oil and Gas Down Hole Sensor
Optical simulation for a downhole fluid discrimination sensor. For identification of oil, gas and water in high pressure, high temperature subsurface environments.
World Changing Collaborations
Groundbreaking optical technology we’ve helped launch
Design of first commercial LIDAR lenses enables launch of Waymo/Google self driving cars
Design of imaging lens for High-Energy X-ray Microscope to non-destructively study material stress in areas from 1cm square to atomic level
Design of imaging lens for High-Energy X-ray Microscope to non-destructively study material stress in areas from 1cm square to atomic level.
Design of imaging lens and illumination optics for otoscope mounted on a smartphone, first commercial medical device based on smartphone.
How It Works — 6 Steps to Your Custom Optical System
From concept validation to volume delivery, every project follows a clear, proven path.
Every engagement starts with a project review.
Customer Feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of optical systems do you design?
Everything from single-element lenses to complete opto-electronic systems: imaging, illumination, LIDAR, medical devices, sensors, spectroscopy, and more. If it uses light, we’ve likely worked on it across our 800+ projects.
How long does a typical project take?
Simple lens designs can be completed in 2-4 weeks. Full system development with prototyping typically runs 8-16 weeks depending on complexity. We’ll give you a clear timeline during the free project review.
Do you handle manufacturing or just design?
Both. We take projects from initial Zemax simulation through prototype manufacturing and support volume production with quality control. You get one partner for the entire lifecycle.
What does a project review cost?
Initial project reviews and consultations are free. We’ll discuss your requirements and provide a scope and estimate before any commitment. There’s zero risk in starting a conversation.
Can you work with our existing design team?
Absolutely. Many clients use us to augment their engineering team for specific optical tasks rather than a full project. We integrate smoothly with your existing workflow and tools.
Let's Talk About Your Optical System
Tell us about your project and we'll schedule a free review within 48 hours. No commitment, no sales pitch — just engineering insight.
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Location
Boston, MA Area
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Your information is confidential. We respond to every inquiry personally.