An example method includes performing validation testing on a tool using a plurality of reference fluids, the tool having a calibrated optical sensor installed therein that includes one or more optical elements. One or more tool sensor responses from the calibrated optical sensor may be obtained and pre-processed, and the one or more tool sensor responses may be compared with calibrated optical sensor responses derived from the calibrated optical sensor during calibration and thereby detecting one or more optical sensor anomalies. The one or more optical sensor anomalies may be evaluated through performance analysis with one or more candidate models, and an alternative candidate model may be selected to mitigate the one or more optical sensor anomalies. One or more remedial options may be pursued when the alternative candidate model fails to mitigate the one or more optical sensor anomalies.