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.
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.