How to become a Optician?

Most states have apprentice programs where you learn as you work under the guidance of a licensed optician. There are many study books available that can prepare a person for the A.B.O. test that is given 2 times per year in most areas of the United States. The best way to prepare for the test is to study the books while working under an optician to better relate the info learned with the real world hands on learning. Working in an office with a finishing lab will greatly increase your chances of passing the ABO test. A finish lab is one where the lenses  are edged to the  frame, coated, tinted and assembled. Working or Volunteering at a local full service lab (lab that fabricates the lenses that will then be edged) is even better than a finish only lab for the hands on learning. The ABO test will test you on lab skills, frame fitting and adjustment skills, ability to read and properly fill optical prescriptions, and even on patients and office ethics. Basically when you pass the ABO test you become ABO certified or A.B.O.C. which shows you are competent enough to fill eyeglass prescriptions. After becoming A.B.O.C. some states will allow you to become licensed in that state upon becoming A.B.O.C. while others require you pass a state test in addition.
Below is contact info for the American Board of Opticianry

   

American Board of Opticianry, 6506 Loisdale Rd., Suite 209, Springfield, VA 22150.
Internet: http://www.abo.org

Exams

To earn your certification, you need to achieve a passing score on an examination. Each exam consists of questions on the skills and knowledge required for competency in ophthalmic dispensing. The National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) is spectacle related and is given by the ABO. The Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) is given by NCLE for certification in contact lens dispensing.

Both the NOCE and the CLRE exams are psychometrically developed. After test specifications are created (based on the Job Analysis), the exams are written by groups of certified opticians and contact lens fitters appointed by the ABO and the NCLE. They are assisted by our testing service, Professional Examination Service (PES). The questions are then reviewed by the testing service specialists for proper testing principles and rules of grammar and style. Questions are created to test a candidate's ability to recall knowledge and to apply that knowledge to specific dispensing functions.

Both exams are offered twice a year, in May and November (the May Exam Application will be available for download in January.) here in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, in numerous sites across the country. The cost to sit for the exams is $130 for the ABO and $130 for the NCLE. Each exam consists of up to 125 multiple choice questions; candidates have up to two and a half hours to complete the exam. You may request a registration packet from the staff office by calling 1-(800) 296-1379 or email the ABO at mail@abo-ncle.org. Along with the application, you will receive several brochures from organizations that offer various study materials to help you prepare for the exams. ABO and NCLE do not sell or endorse any study materials.

Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to sit for the exams who is at least 18 years of age and has a high school diploma or GED. (In states with conflicting regulations, the state licensing board regulations are followed.) While no experience is required, candidates with two to three years hands-on experience or completion of an optical school program are more successful in passing the exams.

Candidates always have questions on what they will be asked on the exam. For the ABO exam the content areas are 28% on analyzing and interpreting prescriptions, 55% on fitting and dispensing spectacles and other ophthalmic devices, and 17% on the use of standard ophthalmic equipment.

For the NCLE exam the content areas consist of 24% on prefit, preparation and evaluation, 19% on determining lens type and designing contact lens parameters, 34% on patient/customer instruction and delivery procedures, and 23% on follow-up visits with patient/customer.

After you pass your exam, you will receive an attractive, professionally lettered certificate to display to the public as a symbol of your competence. Your certification must be renewed every three years through completion of continuing education requirements and payment of a modest renewal fee. Along with your certificate you will receive information on these requirements and on ways to help you fulfill them. Carefully choosing this continued education to fit your particular needs is the way to continued competence.