Abstract: An optical assembly workstation includes a principal work surface and a movable work surface arranged above the principal work surface, with the elevated work surface being movable back and forth in at least one axial direction relative to the principal work surface. A frame assembly provides both support and a mechanism for moving the elevated work surface relative to the principal work surface. The movable work surface is either configured to receive an optical work piece, or is itself the optical work piece. The arrangement of a movable work surface over the principal work surface provides flexibility in optical test and optical assembly equipment placement, frees the principal work surface area of clutter, and reduces the probability of inadvertent damage to the optical fibers and optical assemblies being manufactured or tested at the optical assembly workstation.