Opticians are in high demand in the job market, and the need for eye care professionals is constantly expanding. In this course, you'll gain the skills and knowledge you need to obtain an entry-level job as an optician. In addition, you'll prepare for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification, which is required by many states and is a stepping-stone to career advancement.
With the help of step-by-step instructions, you'll master the mathematical formulas that opticians need to know. In addition, you'll discover how to read prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, explore the basics of eyewear styles and materials, become familiar with the equipment opticians use, learn about prisms and lens types, and gain an understanding of eye anatomy and eye diseases. By the time you complete this course, you'll be fully prepared to begin a career as an optician—and you'll have the skills and knowledge you need to advance in this popular and exciting medical field.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows XP or later.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Clifford W. Brooks and Irvin Borish
- The Optician Training Manual, by David S. McCleary
- All About Your Eyes, by Jennifer S. Weizer and Sharon Fekrat
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However a high school diploma or GED is required to take the ABO exam.
Dr. Beverly Smith is a Doctor of Optometry and has been in private practice for more than 24 years. She also holds a Master of Business Administration and founded a consulting firm that helps new practitioners start and manage their own eye care practices. Throughout her career, Smith has taught many future opticians, certified paraoptometrics, and fellow optometrists. Her work has been published in the professional journals New O.D. and Women in Optometry.
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
All of our programs are self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start them when you want and finish them at your own pace. Upon registering, you're given six months to complete this program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All the materials you'll need are included, and their cost will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials ground service upon enrollment.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
6. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
7. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
9. Can I use a Mac?
Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.
10. How can I get more information about the program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.
11. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
12. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The time allotted to complete your program has been
calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don't worry
too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort,
you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you
work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee will be
charged for an extension.
They were all friendly individuals who really care about me, the student.
- D.T., Queensborough Community College