Results revealed that Raman spectroscopy was not only able to distinguish between the types of polymers used in the manufacture of the lenses but also was sensitive to the thermal history imparted to the item during its production. The detection of these internal stress conditions and their characterization by Raman spectroscopy led to the differentiation of manufacturers of the same products. In addition, when inherent background fluorescence does not interfere, the Raman spectra of paint coatings supplies information complementary to that provided by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy about the polymer binding while being a more useful technique for mineral pigment and extender component analyses. The Raman spectroscopy technique is also useful in forensic document examination of paper due to its ability to identify mineral components and some of the minor components associated with the origin of the cellulose and the technology of paper production. Figures and 20 references (Author abstract modified)