Associations

American Board of Opticianry

The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) is a national, non-profit organization which administers voluntary certification examinations for dispensing opticians and contact lens technicians. Their purpose is to identify qualified eyewear providers by examination, urge growth of optical skills with continuing education, and approve continuing education programs.

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation

The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation accredits two-year Opticianry degree programs and one-year ophthalmic laboratory technology certificate programs in the United States and Canada that are sponsored by post-secondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA.

Contact Lens Society of America

CLSA is a network of highly skilled professionals making a difference in the lives of contact lens wearers every day. Members come from opticianry, optometry, ophthalmology, and the contact lens manufacturing and services industry. They educate consumers, find solutions to challenging cases, and help to increase patient comfort and satisfaction. They design and manufacture innovative lenses and products, and are on the cutting edge of contact lens technological advances. Through education, resources, and service, the Society supports these distinguished professionals and gives students and career starters the opportunity to increase their contact lens knowledge and skills.

National Academy of Opticianry

The National Academy of Opticianry is an international organization dedicated solely to education and training for ALL opticians. Founded in 1963, the Academy offers opticianry education and training in a variety of formats. We cover all aspects of education and training from career preparation (internationally known as the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program), certification and licensing exam preparation and continuing education for beginning through advanced level opticians.

National Federation of Opticianry Schools

The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) is the national organization dedicated to the promotion of formal opticianry education offered by accredited educational institutions.  Formal education is fundamental to the credibility of the Optician as a vision care professional.  The NFOS is a nonprofit organization whose members represent formal Opticianry education in the United States and Canada. One of cornerstone ideals of the NFOS is the sharing of knowledge, to that end we have developed this website for the dissemination of information for the optical community.

Optical Women’s Association

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit, the Optical Women’s Association is committed to supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry. As the vision of the OWA evolves and expands, we maintain the focus of the OWA’s founding principles and core mission.

Opticians Association of America

The Opticians Association of America is a well-established and integral part of that legacy. Established in 1926 as the Guild of Prescription Opticians, the OAA holds the distinguished honor of being the only national organization representing the professional, business, educational, legislative and regulatory interests of opticianry. For over 90 years, the OAA has been dedicated to the advancement of the American optician.

Society to Advance Opticianry

One of the goals of the SAO is to increase the potential of mobility and reciprocity between states for Opticians. This would mean standardization of licensure requirements among states and will certainly include passage of both of the above exams. We hope to establish high standards for Opticians to attain that are achievable and make it possible for employers to identify those Opticians that are dedicated to being fully credentialed.

The Vision Council

Serving as the global voice for vision care products and services, The Vision Council represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry. We position our members to be successful in a competitive marketplace through education, advocacy, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums.