Prepare for your National Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE) to become a Certified American Board of Opticianry (ABOC) Optician. Review the ABO Exam Handbook for all of the details.
See Certified National Contact Lens Examiner (NCLE) exam material here.
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standards & concepts
Optician’s Friend study guide/formula finder: a comprehensive list of formulas and principles needed, all in one place.
OptiCampus Material Reference Chart: All optical measurements are based upon US standards (Helium d line). Actual values may vary depending upon individual lens supplier and product type. Trademarks may apply and are property of the owners as indicated.
The Vision Council’s Ophthalmic Prescription Lenses ANSI Z80.1 Standards: recommended to know these for the ABO test.
books
Optical Formulas Tutorial, 2nd Edition
Designed for students and professionals preparing for the ABO certification exam or wishing to quickly brush up on optical formulas, this easy-to-use workbook contains optical formulas, definitions, and walk-through problems with practical examples throughout. Rather than searching through dozens of optics books, readers will find all relevant information here in one source. Coverage includes everything from sine, cosine and tangent to resultant prism and resolving prism to polarized filters – and much more!
National Opticianry Certification Exam Preparation, Basic Certification
An exam prep textbook that was written by an optician for opticians. Easy to understand, this book is written so that everyone can relate their everyday tasks to the topics that are tested on in the National Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE) given by the American Board of Opticianry. It is not just a review book but a training manual that takes the anxiety out of prism, Prentice’s Rule, lensometry, and a host of other topics.
The Optician Training Manual: Simple Steps to Becoming a Great Optician, 1st Edition
Learn how to achieve excellence and exceed expectations in fitting, dispensing, and customer-centered service. The Optician Training Manual will help you provide effective and consistent optician training, whether you are training new opticians or seasoned ones. Not an ABO study guide filled with optical theory and calculations never used in actual practice. The Optician Training Manual is designed with how you actually work in mind. This book will have new opticians trained and on the floor as quickly as possible and will feel comfortable in that role. Seasoned opticians will improve their decision making skills, taking them to the next level in providing exceptional eyeglasses and service.
Modern Ophthalmic Optics
This book is a comprehensive account of the most recent developments in modern ophthalmic optics. It makes use of the powerful matrix formalism to describe curvature and power, providing a unified view of the optical and geometrical properties of lenses. This unified approach is applicable to the design and properties of not only spectacle lenses, but also contact and intraocular lenses. The newest developments in lens design, manufacturing and testing are discussed, with an emphasis on the description of free-form technology, which has surpassed traditional manufacturing methods and allows digital lenses to be specifically designed with unique requirements.
Pure Optics, Third Edition
The New Pure Optics Third Edition (2023) textbook will guide you through the areas of knowledge needed to become an eye care professional and pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exams. Since 2006, students from all over the world have utilized the Pure Optics concepts to further their education and address the needs of their patients.
National Opticianry Competency Exam Secrets Study Guide
Our comprehensive study guide for the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) Exam is written by our experts, who painstakingly researched the topics and the concepts that you need to know to do your best on the NOCE. Our original research into the NOCE, offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), reveals the specific content areas and the essential skills that are critical for you to know on the exam. We’ve taken the information and developed a study guide that is guaranteed to help you be successful.
Get Certified! Optician Review Manual
The reader will walk through twenty essential topics including simplified examples. Covered subjects include:Metric System – Focal Lengths & Lens Powers – Transposition – Astigmatism Classification – Optical Crosses – Finding Power at a Non-Prescribed Axis – Spherical Equivalent – Determining Reading / Intermediate Rx – Vertical Decentration (Above/Below) -Decentration – Minimum Blank Size – Image Jump – Splitting Prism – Prism Direction – Prentices Rule (Spherical Rx’s) – Prentices Rule (Cylindrical Rx’s) – Vertex Distance – Slab Off – Common Lens Values – Index of Refraction. The second and third parts of this manual the reader will encounter a 125 question multiple choice test and answers and Explanations to the 125 question exam.
PASSive: A Novel Approach: Passive Learning To Pass Your ABOJoin Cowboy Flat Top on a passive learning journey as you acquire knowledge to help you pass your ABO and become a certified optician. Fifteen hilarious “real life” stories of optical encounters will help you navigate prism, the light spectrum, lens characteristics, spherical equivalents and more.
Refracting Opticianstudy guide series from modern optician
Have you ever wished that was a simple Optician resource that didn’t require you to read an entire convoluted chapter of a huge text book to grasp or review a single concept? Cheat Sheets for Dispensing Opticians is the answer to your prayers! This resource was created in order to provide quick and easy to access to reminders of common ophthalmic principals that Opticians may encounter on their daily work in the dispensary.
The Vision Care Primer: A Beginners Guide To Vision Care
Getting started in a dynamic field like vision care can be intimidating and daunting for someone just getting started with little to no experience. The main goal of this resource is to rapidly train new staff members to be effective in Optometric practices or Optical stores in as little as a few days. The Vision Care Primer is aimed at providing accurate, up to date information while limiting the overwhelming medical jargon and lengthy chapters.
TOPS – Training Optical Professionals: Trusted by Opticians preparing for Certification over the years, the 2nd Edition of Michael DiSanto’s TOPS Manual is back! Chapters (including quizzes) cover Dispensing Theory, Dispensing Well Designed Lenses, Prisms and Light, Prisms and Lenses, Lens Materials, Designs and Enhancements, Frame Fitting Theory, Instruments and Measurements, Ophthalmic Frame Materials and Sunwear, Special Dispensing Situations, Professional Optical Selling, Glossary, Chapter Quiz and Answer Keys
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pdf downloads
Laramy-K Optician Works Ultimate ABO Study Guide Version 2/2019
an 83 page pdf covering all of the basics. Print it out and study! OpticianWorks wants you to be the best you can be, for yourself, our profession, and the people you serve, which is why we put together this free study guide to help you start your journey. ABO certification is only a small step towards becoming a successful optician. Becoming a Rock Star Optician is about finding passion in your craft, always striving to learn more, and creating remarkable experiences for your customers, but it all starts with the basics.
OpenOptix ABO Study Guide: a 99 page pdf written and maintained by volunteer members of the optical community.
CSC Labs Indispensable Dispensing Guide: a 47 page pdf with a variety of info.
programs
Laramy-K Optician Works Online Optician training: videos, courses, lessons and quizzes.
National Academy of Opticianry Spectacle Exam Review Material: beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of materials.
Optical Nerd offers ABO test preparation classes via video conference. The classes include lots of participant involvement, as well as several provided learning resources.
Optical Training Institute ABO Exam Preparation includes an all-in-one comprehensive course package with 6 workbooks and 6 audio CD’s contained in a carrying case.
Professional Eye Care Associates of America: PECAA memberships include a full library of training materials for all staff. Optician courses are designed for ABO Certification exam prep and include: Successfully Discussing & Dispensing Eyewear, Technical Aspects of Opticianry, Frame Choice: Style and Function, Optical Sales: Rules too Sell “BUY”, and Ophthalmic Lens Types, Materials & Treatments. View the courses and access their 180 question test and answers. Access the training in your member portal under Education & Training.
Quantum Optical: ABO – NCLE and State Boards Exam Prep – Staff Training Modules
quizzes
Optigal’s Q&A for the NOCE
A compliment to her book Introduction to Basic Optical Principles: National Opticianry Certification Exam Basic Certification manual, this book contains 500 questions to help you pass the exam. Written in the same format as the exam itself, the question and answer guide will help you be confident and comfortable come test day. Available in digital and paperback.
Pass Your Optical Boards: a comprehensive and unlimited practice test website.
National Opticianry Competency Exam Flashcard Study System: NOCE Test Practice Questions & Review for the National Opticianry Competency Exam (Cards)
Opticianry Exam Prep: 200+ Practice Questions for the ABO NOCE Exam
Looking for the ideal tool to study for your opticianry exam? Dynamic Path’s Optician Certification Exam Prep includes 200+ practice questions for the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Our multiple choice questions include detailed explanations to ensure that you understand the correct answer for each question. All our questions were written exclusively for Dynamic Path. This module covers all the content areas of the ABO NOCE optician exam: Ophthalmic Products, Ophthalmic Optics, Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, Laws, Regulations, and Standards, Instrumentation, Dispensing Procedures.
Optician Certification Exam Prep: 200 Practice Questions
Looking for the ideal tool to study for your opticianry exam? Dynamic Path’s Optician Certification Exam Prep includes 200+ practice questions for the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).Our multiple-choice questions include detailed explanations to ensure that you understand the correct answer for each question. All our questions were written exclusively for Dynamic Path.This module covers all the content areas of the ABO NOCE optician exam: Ophthalmic Products Ophthalmic Optics Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology Laws, Regulations, and Standards Instrumentation Dispensing Procedures. Dynamic Path is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the ABO-NCLE or any other organization.
videos
How to Pass the Optician Exam video: take a look at all of the videos on this channel, it’s nice to have a visual way of learning with all of the reading.
Laramy-K Optical YouTube channel: Their long-term goal with this channel is to provide a more accessible and higher level of education for opticians everywhere.
How To Use The Lensmeter – LaramyK Optical: Parts, Focus and Setup
How To Use The Lensmeter – LaramyK Optical: Eyeglass Lens Neutralization
How To Use The Lensmeter – LaramyK Optical: A Simple Spherical Single-Vision Lens
How To Use The Lensmeter – LaramyK Optical: Read A Spherocylinder Lens
How To Use The Lensmeter – LaramyK Optical: Read a Finished Progressive Pair
OptiQuiz iOS App for ABO Exam Prep
ABO Basic Opticianry Exam Prep iOS App
ABO Exam 2018 Ed Android App
ABO Basic Opticianry Exam Prep Android App
Optician Essentials and Advanced Exam Practice Test
This guide is an invaluable source for learning more advanced ophthalmic optics, basic business principals, troubleshooting patient problems and solving some of the more tricky optics quandaries. This text reviews the more advanced topics seen on ABO and ABO Advanced exams. Also included are overviews on new topics such as, expanded infection types, additional optics equations, and vision therapy.
National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) Advanced Opticians Tutorial (ABO Advanced Exam) Book
Optigal’s Introduction to Advanced Optics
Have you always wanted to know more about optics! Do you want to get your Advanced Certification in Optics but don’t know where to start? This book is your answer! It is a complete, peer-reviewed guide to help you along your optical journey.