Optician Certification Training

Modern optical care improves countless lives for those who experience vision issues today. However, despite increased access to care, many eye problems are growing more common due to changes in our lifestyles and the aging population—making now a great time to obtain your optician certification online. No matter which area of opticianry you choose, you will be in high demand in the job market because the need for eye care professionals is constantly expanding.

The World Health Organization predicts that 3.36 billion people worldwide will be nearsighted by 2030, an increase of 29% over the number of nearsighted people in 2020. In the U.S. alone, myopia (nearsightedness) rates have soared over the past 50 years, from 25% in 1971 to nearly 42% in 2017, according to the National Eye Institute. The condition called presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, has also increased in case volume as it is most prevalent in our growing aging population.

In this optician course, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to obtain an entry-level job as an optician within applicable states. The optician certification training program provides a solid foundation for a successful career in opticianry—from essential topics for aspiring opticians, including the anatomy of the eye, refractive errors, contact lens fitting, and relevant laws and regulations. Course content also dives into understanding the eye and common conditions, basic math and algebra for opticians, ophthalmic lens designs, materials, treatments, and more. You will even have a lesson covering a potential career roadmap.

The optician certification program concludes by preparing you to take the Basic American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams, which include 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.

While some states only require a high school diploma or GED and a 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.

This optician certification training course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina. The course prepares students to work as Registered Apprentice Opticians in Washington. They are required to submit an application to the state to qualify for that designation. Check the requirements in your state before enrolling.

What you will learn

• Learn how to understand and assign prescriptions to customers
• Develop an understanding of the human eye and how it functions
• Review the different corrective eye care solutions available for patients
• Understand how various prisms and lenses work
• Prepare to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills necessary to begin an entry-level position as an optician
• Possess the knowledge to pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams
• Learn not only the skills required to work as an optician but also master communication best practices that will allow you to effectively work with peers and clients
• Set yourself up for success as you begin your career in the medical field

1. Optician Certification Training
1. What is an Optician?
2. The Parts of the Eye
3. Simple Math and Algebra Concepts for Opticians
4. Light, Prentice's Rule and Abbe Values
5. Ophthalmic Lens Design
6. Refractive Errors
7. The Spectacle or Glasses Prescription
8. Lens Materials and Treatments
9. Effective Power and Compensated Power Calculations
10. All About Frames
11. Frame Adjustment Basics and Dispensing
12. Lensometry, Measurement Devices, and Multifocal Lens Considerations
13. Prisms and Decentration
14. Keratometry and Corneal Topography
15. Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines
16. Contact Lens Prefitting
17. Ocular Pathology and Systemic Conditions That Affect the Eyes
18. Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy
19. Soft Contact Lenses
20. Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
21. Hybrid and Scleral Contact Lenses
22. Contact Lens-Related Conditions and Pathology
23. Preparing for the NOCE and CLRE Exams
24. Preparing for Your Career

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

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

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• 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
• System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Clifford W. Brooks and Irvin Borish
• All About Your Eyes, by Jennifer S. Weizer and Sharon Fekrat

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this optician certification training course.

Certification Requirements:

A high school diploma or GED is required to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams.

After successfully completing this course, you will have the knowledge needed to pass the ABO and NCLE Basic certification exams, the Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE), and the Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE). While some states only require a high school diploma or GED along with a passing ABO score for licensure, others administer their own state-specific optician licensing exams. In addition, certain states may require completing an apprenticeship or a formal degree program to become licensed.

State Requirements:

This program does not meet the educational requirements to apply for professional licensure or certification in the states of North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina. The course prepares students to work as Registered Apprentice Opticians in Washington. They are required to submit an application to the state to qualify for that designation. Please check the requirements in your state before enrolling, as some states require opticians to complete an apprenticeship to obtain a license.

Each state's licensure or certification authority is responsible for establishing the requirements for professional licensure or certification in its state. Completing this program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing authority to confirm the requirements for licensure or a certificate in the state where they live, work, or intend to live or work.

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.

How much do opticians make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for opticians is $44,170, with top professionals in this field making over $69,900 per year—making now a great time to get your optician certification online.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Basic certification exams - Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE) and Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE).

How does this course prepare me to become an optician?

By taking this optician training course, you will learn how to read prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, become familiar with the equipment opticians use, and gain an understanding of eye anatomy and eye diseases. After completing this course, you will be fully prepared to begin a career as an optician and have the skills and knowledge to advance as an optical manager in this popular and exciting medical field.

When can I start the course?

This optician certification training offers open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of this optician certification program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

They were all friendly individuals who really care about me, the student.- D.T.