This course is designed to prepare opticians and technicians who dispense eyewear to sit for the National Opticianry Competency Exam. Topics will include frame types and parts and ophthalmic lenses.
Students will:
- Identify the parts and types of frames.
- Explain how to properly measure frames to fit a patient.
- Describe best practices when helping someone try on and order frames.
- Explain the procedures for fitting someone with their new glasses, including inserting lenses, alignment, and frame adjustments.
- Review the mathematical principles used in basic optics.
- Identify characteristics of ophthalmic lenses.
- Describe how prisms are used in optics.
This course prepares students to take the ABO National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) Basic national certification exam.
Everyone who is at least 18 years of age and has a high school diploma or GED is eligible to sit for the exams. Students that live in the state of Virginia and New Jersey will need to research and follow their state licensing board regulations before testing. While no experience is required, candidates with two to three years hands-on experience or completion of an optical school program are more successful in passing the exams.
More information, such as testing window dates and remote proctoring availability by state can be found on the ABO-NCLE website here.
Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Frame Types and Parts
This introductory lesson offers a look at basic terminology used for eyeglass frames and materials used to make them.
Lesson 2: Frame Measurements and Markings
Ordering prescription glasses requires knowledge of frame measurements and how frames are marked. This lesson will provide the background needed for developing this skill.
Lesson 3: Measuring the Interpupillary Distance
The measure of interpupillary distance is essential for placement of the optical center of lenses. Incorrect distances can also lead to medical issues for the patient. This lesson will provide the method for accurately measuring this distance.
Lesson 4: Frame Selection
Helping someone find frames that fit their face shape and work with the correct lenses is not a simple task. This lesson will help with providing the necessary knowledge needed for basic competency in selecting frames.
Lesson 5: Reference Point Placement, Multifocal Height, and Blank Size Determination
This lesson is crucial in fine tuning the lens for the wearer. Mistakes in these topics can lead to visual hardship for patients.
Lesson 6: Ordering and Verification
This lesson will guide you through the procedures followed when ordering and verifying prescription lenses from the laboratory.
Lesson 7: Lens Insertion
This lesson covers the methods and potential issues associated with inserting lenses into the frames.
Lesson 8: Standard Alignment
This lesson provides the groundwork for fitting frames, and the various ways a frame can be manipulated to align properly.
Lesson 9: Adjusting the Frame
For eyeglasses to be worn as intended, the principles covered in this lesson are essential. This lesson focuses on fitting the frames properly onto the wearer.
Lesson 10: Frame Repairs and Modifications
This is the last lesson focusing on frames. This lesson covers frame repairs as well as minor adjustments for fit.
Lesson 11: Math for Optics
This lesson will be a review of math that is used in basic optics.
Lesson 12: Characteristics of Ophthalmic Lenses
This lesson focuses on the concepts of reflection and refraction, which make lenses work the way we need them to and contribute to vision overall.
Lesson 13: Lens Curvature and Thickness
The shape of a lens greatly affects its performance. The thickness of the lens has an impact on how the lens functions in frames. Together, these principles form the basis of this lesson.
Lesson 14: Optical Considerations with Increasing Lens Power
With increasing lens power, other factors must be compensated for to allow the lens to perform as intended. This lesson will cover these factors, such as thickness and positioning.
Lesson 15: Optical Prism: Power and Base Direction
This lesson looks at how a prism works and how it is used in eye care.
Lesson 16: Optical Prism: Decentration and Thickness
This lesson will explore the relationship between prisms and lens prescriptions.
Lesson 17: Fresnel Prisms and Lenses
Fresnel lenses and prisms are constructed differently than normal lenses and prisms. This lesson uncovers those differences and the circumstances surrounding the use of Fresnel lenses.
Lesson 18: Lens Design
This lesson will demonstrate how to make appropriate choices in lens design and what to look for in a lens.
Lesson 19: Segmented Multifocal Lenses
In this lesson you will learn about multifocal lenses. These are lenses design to help people who need lenses to correct more than one distance.
Lesson 20: Progressive Addition Lenses
This lesson will cover progressive addition lenses. You will learn the purpose behind these lenses, specialty types of this lens, and the measurement and disbursement of progressive addition lenses.
Lesson 21: Anisometropia
When there is unequal focus between the two eyes, a person is considered to have anisometropia. It can cause problems in the eyesight of children. This is the focus of lesson 21.
Lesson 22: Absorptive Lenses
This lesson is a thorough introduction to absorptive lenses. This is often a misunderstood and complicated area in eye care.
Lesson 23: Lens Materials, Safety Eyewear, and Sports Eyewear
Eye protection is the focus of this lesson. Lens material and eye safety in the workplace, sports, and recreation are all covered.
Lesson 24: How Lenses are Edged
Lenses are edged in the finishing laboratory, the second step in creating lenses. This last lesson will cover this final step in lens creation.
All necessary course materials are included.
Certification(s):
This course prepares students to take the ABO National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) Basic national certification exam.
Everyone who is at least 18 years of age and has a high school diploma or GED is eligible to sit for the exams. Students that live in the state of Virginia and New Jersey will need to research and follow their state licensing board regulations before testing. While no experience is required, candidates with two to three years hands-on experience or completion of an optical school program are more successful in passing the exams.
More information, such as testing window dates and remote proctoring availability by state can be found on the ABO-NCLE website here.
