Program Overview
Learn how to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses with the Optician training program from Penn Foster Career School.
As an Optician, you'll help select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for people with eye problems following prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. The Penn Foster Optician Program will help you develop the skills needed in this profession. Whether you work in an optical dispensary or laboratory, an optometrist's or ophthalmologist's office, a hospital or clinical setting, or a retail optical store, you'll have a career you can be proud of!
You'll receive training in:
- Math for Opticians
- Optical Principles, Terminology, and Anatomy
- Ophthalmic Dispensing
- Contact Lens Dispensing
- Professional Practice
And you'll learn it all at home — no classroom needed!
National Certification Preparation
Graduates of the Penn Foster Optician Program are prepared to sit for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE), which is administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Those who pass the NOCE are awarded the ABOC credential (ABO certified). Graduates are also prepared to sit for the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE), which is administered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Those who pass the CLRE are awarded the NCLEC credential (NCLE certified).
You'll receive the following materials from the National Academy of Opticianry and the Contact Lens Society of America to help you prepare for the ABO/NCLE certification exams:
- Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book
- Spectacle Certification Exam Math Review Book
- Spectacle Certification Exam Review Book
- Test Review 1 for Contact Lens Technicians
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing requirements for opticians vary from state to state throughout the United States. As of this writing, 21 states require the passing of at least one of the following examinations for licensure of Opticians: American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification exam, National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) certification exam, and a state practical examination. Twenty-five states have no state board or licensing requirements. You should contact your state's appropriate licensing bureau for the current requirements or your state legislature for pending legislation.
Clinical Practicum Requirement
This program requires students to enroll in a six-month (120-hour) practicum during the course of their studies. You’ll be required to find a clinical site within your local community to complete the practicum. Potential clinical sites include an optician’s office or laboratory, an optometric practice that contains an optical dispensary, an ophthalmic practice that contains an optical dispensary, a hospital that contains an eye clinic, and a retail optical business. All clinical sites must be approved by the program instructor.
Contact Penn Foster Today.
We’ll send you FREE information – with absolutely no obligation! Find out more about complete Optician training that includes:
- All the books, lessons, and learning aids you need.
- Toll-free instructional support.
- Access to student services by phone and mail.