Optician Certification Training

No matter which area of opticianry you choose, you'll be in high demand in the job market because the need for eye care professionals is constantly expanding. It may surprise you to learn that while our eyes are healthier in many ways than in the past, some eye problems are actually growing more common due to changes in our lifestyles and the aging population.

For instance, the incidence of myopia (nearsightedness) is growing rapidly. In fact, experts estimate that nearsightedness will increase by 50% over the next decade. It may be because we spend more time doing close work and less time outside. Other eye problems, such as presbyopia (the poor near vision that develops as we age), are also increasing as our population gets older.

In this course, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to obtain an entry-level job as an optician in the states that recognize this certification. In addition, you'll prepare to take the Basic American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exams, which includes the NOCE (National Opticianry Competency Exam) and the CLRE (Contact Lens Registry Exam), which is required by many states to work as an optician or as a stepping-stone to career advancement.

After successfully completing this course, you will possess the knowledge required to pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), National Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE) exam, or Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE). However, we recommend researching your state's requirements prior to pursuing a career as an optician. While some states only require a high school diploma or GED and passing score on the ABO exam to fulfill licensing requirements, others have their own optician licensing exams. Additionally, some states may require that opticians complete an apprenticeship program or degree program in order to become licensed.

DISCLAIMER: This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina. Check the requirements in your state before enrolling as some states require opticians to complete an apprenticeship program to become licensed.

Dr. Beverly Smith

Dr. Beverly Smith is a Doctor of Optometry and has been in private practice for 30 years. She holds a Master of Business Administration and founded a consulting firm that helps new practitioners start and manage their own eye care practices. Throughout her career, Smith has taught many future opticians, certified paraoptometrics, and fellow optometrists. Her work has been published in the professional journals New O.D. and Women in Optometry.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• The Optician Training Manual, by David S. McCleary

The following eBooks will be provided to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Clifford W. Brooks and Irvin Borish
• All About Your Eyes, by Jennifer S. Weizer and Sharon Fekrat

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.