Sigita Balandytė, currently serving as the head of the Medical Systems Department, advises everyone starting their career not to shy away from production work as a first step. After finishing her studies, she began her career in a junior laser assembly position, and today she leads a team developing systems for highly popular vision correction surgeries performed with femtosecond lasers.

What did you study, and what inspired you to choose this field?

I have always gravitated towards STEM fields—they felt more intuitive for me, and I found them more engaging. Naturally, I chose my studies in this direction, even though I didn’t have a clear idea of "what I want to be when I grow up".

I earned my bachelor's degree in Applied Physics at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and completed a master’s degree in Laser Physics and Optical Technology at Vilnius University (VU).

How did you learn about Light Conversion, and what motivated you to join the company?

A classmate who was already working at the company suggested I apply for an open position.

I was motivated by the idea of putting my knowledge from the Laser Physics master’s program to good use while gaining insight into how lasers, which bring international recognition to Lithuania, are manufactured. I also appreciated the company’s support for students, offering flexible schedules to balance work and studies. Additionally, employee benefits such as performance-based pay, annual bonuses, and health insurance were appealing.

You started your career at Light Conversion in 2018 as a laser technician and now hold the interim position of Head of Medical Systems Production. How did your professional growth unfold within the company? What did you learn in each role, and what new skills or experiences did you gain?

My career at the company began in the primary laser assembly team, where I was responsible for assembling optomechanical components, ensuring quality, and maintaining appropriate stock levels. This role taught me the importance of precision, attention to detail, and the immense effort and responsibility required even in the early stages of laser production.

For anyone starting out, I highly recommend production work—it’s an excellent way to gain experience!

A few months into my role, assistance was needed with an ophthalmology project, so I briefly worked in two roles before fully transitioning to the R&D department. Although the work was similar to what I had done before, there were fewer defined guidelines and more flexibility.

Step by step, I assembled, glued, and aligned new modules, and after two years, I had worked on nearly all parts of the ophthalmic system. Parallel to module assembly, I was involved in writing instructions, developing production processes, and eventually taking part in system alignment and testing.

Over the years, I gradually became responsible for managing inventory, maintaining stock levels, onboarding new employees, and overseeing primary assembly instructions.

In 2022, as the number of systems we produced annually reached dozens, the decision was made to form a new manufacturing division—the Medical Systems Department. I took on the role of interim department head, which marked a shift towards learning new skills and stepping away from hands-on technical work.

What activities motivate and inspire you the most? How would you describe Light Conversion's culture, teamwork, and work environment?

The sense of purpose in my work stems from the products we create. It’s rewarding to strive for better results and solve challenges alongside a team that inspires me the most. The proactive and motivated people around me drive me to aim higher. We maintain a close connection—every morning starts with coffee and discussions about various updates with colleagues.

At Light Conversion, the work environment is exceptional, from infrastructure to tools. Colleagues are always willing to help, train, share tips, and answer questions.

Where are the medical systems developed by your department used?

The systems we produce are used for refractive vision corrections—in simpler terms, modern medical procedures that eliminate the need for glasses.

The applications of lasers are diverse, ranging from beauty treatments to precise medical surgeries and even manufacturing medical equipment with lasers. Consequently, the complexity and production time of the systems we develop vary significantly.

Have there been moments when you felt proud of Light Conversion's achievements or your contributions? Do you have any memorable stories?

Saying that I work at Light Conversion—the largest laser company in Lithuania, a country renowned for its femtosecond laser industry—is always a source of pride!

We are global leaders, which means we are moving in the right direction, with ample expertise and a strong drive to excel.