ORLAB news

Our Mission

Driven by innovation and excellence in testing, calibration, and research in the field of optics and radiometry.

Who We Are

The Optics and Radiometry Laboratory (ORLAB) is a NATA-accredited specialist facility within the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW Sydney, providing independent testing, calibration, and applied research services in optics and radiometry. ORLAB supports a diverse client base across industry, government, and academia, both locally and internationally. With expertise in light, colour, and optical measurements, the laboratory provides standards-based technical evidence and independent measurement services that support organisations in meeting Australian and international standards.

40 Years of NATA Accreditation

ORLAB’s NATA accreditation commenced in March 1985, marking 40 years of continuous accreditation in 2025—a significant milestone recognising four decades of precision, innovation, and trusted measurement.

ORLAB’s 40-year accreditation journey was recognised by NATA in the feature “Precision, Innovation and Trust: 40 Years of NATA Accreditation”.

https://nata.com.au/precision-innovation-and-trust-40-years-of-nata-accreditation/

2025 in Focus

From accredited testing and standards leadership to international conference engagement, 2025 was a year of strong national and global impact for ORLAB.

At the core of ORLAB’s work is a commitment to supporting Australian industry and public safety through independent, NATA-accredited testing and calibration services. The laboratory works closely with manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to provide objective test data and technical expertise that support product development and assist organisations in demonstrating conformity with relevant Australian and international standards.

Building on this foundation, ORLAB continued to translate research excellence into practical safety outcomes, strengthening vision protection, enabling innovation within Australian industry, and contributing to standards that safeguard users in occupational, recreational, and high-risk environments.

In 2025, ORLAB continued to strengthen its engagement with students, alumni, industry partners, and the wider vision science community, while supporting safe, standards-based practice across Australia and internationally.

Standards and Professional Leadership

• CIE Australia: ORLAB continues its strong association with CIE Australia, with Associate Professor Maitreyee Roy serving on the CIE Australia Executive and representing Division 8 (Image Technology) as the national representative. Through this role, ORLAB contributes to the advancement of colour and imaging science, supports the organisation and delivery of CIE scientific meetings and conferences, and maintains strong links with the national and international lighting and vision research community.
• Standards Development: ORLAB also remained actively involved in the development and revision of Australian and international standards, with a particular focus on eye and face protection and optical measurements for safety. Key contributions were made through Standards Australia Committee SF-006 (Eye and Face Protection) and relevant ISO technical committees, including ISO/TC 94/SC 6 (Eye and Face Protection) and ISO/TC 172/SC 7 (Ophthalmic Instruments). These activities ensure that scientific evidence and measurement expertise inform evolving standards and support improved product performance and real-world safety outcomes.

Industry and Public Health Impact

Through accredited testing, applied research, and standards engagement, ORLAB links protective eyewear testing and optical measurement with clinical safety outcomes, supporting Australian manufacturers, informing public health initiatives, and contributing to the prevention of vision-threatening ocular and retinal injuries.

In 2025, ORLAB’s impact also extended to industry-led infrastructure safety projects, including standards-based testing of decommissioned LED traffic signal equipment. The work involved detailed photometric and performance assessment in accordance with AS 2144, supporting evidence-based evaluation of asset condition and safety performance. This ongoing work highlights how independent measurement expertise supports safer public infrastructure and strengthens national capability in optical testing and calibration.

Research, Conferences, and Global Engagement

In 2025, ORLAB maintained a strong national and international research presence through conference presentations spanning vision science, optical safety, and clinical impact.

ORLAB staff presented multiple papers at the CIE Australia Lighting Research Conference 2025, held in Brisbane, showcasing research across colour vision, optical radiation safety, clinical instrumentation, and eye and face protection. Key presentations included “Impact of Blue-Blocking Lenses on Colour Vision in Individuals with Colour Deficiency” and “Eye and Face Protection Against Biological Hazards: Optical Radiation Issues”. Additional contributions addressed “Evaluation of Crosstalk in Cobalt Blue Glass and Wratten No. 12 Gelatine Filters for Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy” and “Sunlight and Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Survey of the Epidemiological Evidence”, highlighting broader links between optical exposure and ocular health.

International engagement in July 2025 also included a virtual invited presentation by Associate Professor Roy at the 7th Retina Summit & APOTS Retina Meet 2025 organised by Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society, Sankara Netralaya, Chennai, India. Her presentation, “Preventing Retinal Trauma through Accredited Testing of Eye and Face Protection,” highlighted how retinal injury can arise from both optical radiation exposure and blunt ocular impact, and demonstrated the role of standards-based testing and independent measurement in supporting safer protective eyewear and improved clinical outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As ORLAB moves into 2026, the laboratory remains focused on innovation, collaboration, and impact. With strong partnerships across industry, academia, and standards bodies, ORLAB is well positioned to further strengthen its contribution to vision safety, optical standards, and public health, both in Australia and internationally.

Where are we? 

ORLAB is located on the lower ground level of the Old Main Building at UNSW Sydney, operating independently while remaining closely connected to the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Alumni, collaborators, and anyone interested in our work are always welcome to visit.

Associate Professor Maitreyee Roy

Director, Optics and Radiometry Laboratory