Association of Technical Opticians

Over the years people have asked for a FREE study guide for the ABO. It is not something that just anyone would be willing to provide, it takes dedication and resources to put together a study guide with any substance not to mention if it was free the authors and contributors would gain nothing monetary from it. One independent lab has put together the framework to make it possible and their work must be commended. Laramy K known as a premium independent ophthalmic laboratory has always been on the cutting edge of our industry with professional educational resources and a web forum that allows professional in our industry to share with each other the many intricacies of our industry. Laramy K, one year ago took and started an ambitious project to provide a free ABO study guide and the first version is available today for download as well as web consumption. I urge those that download it to provide comments, critiques, or just kudos to the lab for their work and dedication to our industry. Without further delay here’s that link:

ABO Study Guide (link to Laramy-K site)

Great new site with videos, www.opticaled.com created by Brent McCardle from Durham Tech in NC. This is top quality stuff worth a bookmark in my book hands down check it out.

Try your skills at identifying the various parts of the eye. This is a great tool for studying the anatomy for the NCLE or COA.

Eye Anatomy (outside link to University of Minnesota)

This is just a breakdown of an average eye:

*data from CLSAs Contact Lens Manual Vol.1

The American Board of Opticianry’s National Opticianry Competency Exam consists of the following content areas:

1. Anylyze and Interpret Prescription 28 %
   • Analyze patients/customers prescription by recognizing and interpreting ophthalmic disorders to understand patient/customer needs, and detremine the effects of the prescription in promoting optimum comfort, visual efficency, and cosmetic acceptability
   • Detect irregularities by applying knowledge of ophthalmic terminology to ensure that the prescription is complete and correct.
   • Recognize limitations of the prescription as it relates to patients/customers practical application of the product by determining the relationship between prescription and the patients/customers need in order to prepare the order.
2. Fit and Dispense Spectacles and Other Ophthalmic Devices 55 %
   • Identify the patients/customers needs and want by reviewing and verifying existing records, assesing previous eyewear use, identifying visual tasks, and evaluating this information to fufill the patients/customers needs and wants.
   • Make recommendations to the patient/customer by determining the frame and lens type and communicating product performance to fufill the patients/customers visual requirements, needs, and wants.
   • Take necessary facial, ocular, and frame measurements by using accurate methods and evaluate the results to enhance proper visual performance and appearance.
   • Offer additional ophthalmic products by demonstarting the use of these products, explaining the features of different lens and frames types, and recommending additional frames, lenses, contact lenses, and accessories, and other ocular devices to fufill the patients/customers needs, wants, and lifestyle requirements.
   • Verify the ordered product by determining if the lenses and frames are prepared according to specifications on the order form to ensure that the correct eyewear is dispensed to the patient/customer.
   • Adjust the product by modifying the fit of the eyewear in relation to the patients/customers head and face and provide follow-up services to promote comfort, appearance and optimum visual performance.
   • Demonstrate product performance and applicability by providing education to the patient/customer to meet their needs and wants.
   • Work within professional and legal boundaries by recognizing ones limitations and acting withinethical, legal, and professional guidelines to ensure that the patients/customers needs and wants are meet.
3. Use of Standard Ophthalmic Equipment 17 %
   • Operate equipment by following manufacturers direction (e.g neutralize lenses, layout and edge lenses, treat lenses, assemble and adjust product) within accepted occupational safety and health standards.
   • Maintain equipment by following a routine maintenance schedule and accurately calibrating equipment to ensure proper operation
   • Compute and analyze ophthalmic data by applying formulae, performing computations and interpreting ophthalmic measurements to ensure that the product is accurately fabricated.

* this information is taken from the ABOs exam candidate handbook.