GES126 - Optician Certification Training
Course Description
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.
Course Outline
Course Objectives
- 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
How the course is taught
- Self-paced, online course
- 6 Months to complete
- Open enrollment, begin anytime
- 150 course hours
Notes
Instructors & Support
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.
Prerequisites
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.
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