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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technical/standards
Optician’s Friend study guide/formula finder: a comprehensive list of formulas and principles needed, all in one place.
The Vision Council’s Ophthalmic Prescription Lenses ANSI Z80.1 Standards: recommended to know these for the ABO test.
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.
books
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
National Opticianry Certification Exam Preparation, Basic Certification
Carrie Wilson is a Master in Ophthalmic Optics and Advanced Certified Contact Lens Fitter. She has designed and implemented training plans that have a direct impact on over 3,000 Walmart Vision Centers and Sam’s Club Opticals and served on the boards and committees of regulatory boards. Carrie has kept track of the students who study with her book and has proven to have an impeccable test pass rate.
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!
Modern Ophthalmic Optics
This book is a comprehensive account of the most recent developments in modern ophthalmic optics, ideal for manufacturers and practitioners. Topics discussed include free-form technology, modern lens materials, measuring techniques, contact and intraocular lenses, progressive power lenses, ocular protection and coatings.
PASSive: A Novel Approach: Passive Learning To Pass Your ABO: Join 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.study guide series from modern optician
The Optician Training Manual 1st Edition: The must-have optical training system whether you are an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optical manager responsible for training opticians or are an optician trying to better your skills.
Pure Optics Textbook
Phernell is the author of Pure Optics, Second Edition. This 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.
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 RefractionSECTION TWO:In the second part of this manual the reader will encounter a 125 question multiple choice test. SECTION THREE:Answers and Explanations to the 125 question exam.
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
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.
PECAA: 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.
quizzes
Optigal’s Q and 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.
Laramy-K Optician Works Online Optician training: videos, courses, lessons and quizzes.
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)
Quizlet: Optician Training Manual McCleary Flashcards
Opticianry Exam Prep: 200+ Practice Questions for the ABO NOCE Exam
Quantum Optical ABO Staff Training Modules
TOPS Training Optical Professionals ABO Exam Study Guide: a thorough study guide book with quizzes.
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
National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) Advanced Opticians Tutorial (ABO Advanced Exam) Book
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.
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.