The ABO exam

[Pam]

Ahh, it's finally over! I took the ABO exam yesterday, and it was a little harder than I thought it would be. I was wondering what others who took it thought of it?

[stephanie]

Pam, I took the test yesterday also. I thought it was EXTREMELY difficult!!!! I thought that with all the effort I put into studying and stressing that if I don't pass I will consider looking into other career options. I will not EVER take that again. In light of things I wish now that I went to school instead of going on the apprentice program. At least the people there are being paid to teach you. When you have to rely on co-workers and a book to learn you are pretty much on your own. I sat there after opening the test with tears welling up in my eyes thinking to myself "what the @#$$ am I doing here?" I really don't mean to be going off about apprenticeship. It's great if everyone is going to back you and help you every step of the way. I guess I am just really disgusted today. I am glad it's over. I think I would have done a whole lot better if I took $130 and threw it out my car window. At least it would have made a lot more sense than this test.
Have a good day and sorry for whining,
Steph

[Chad Huber]

Steph,

Buck Up! I'm sure that you did fine on the test. Wait until you get the results before you call it a waste of money....and even then, it's not a waste if you learned something. i.e.. what you need to study in more depth next time. If you decide not to take it again and for some reason WANT to throw $130 out the window..I'll give you my address and you can mail it to me. I'll be happy to throw it out of a window around here ;-)

Chad "Senior` Positive" Huber

[Pam]

Steph, you are not alone in that boat. I have had some formal training and some apprenticeship, and I felt like I had only been studying for a month instead of 6 when I left there. Hopefully that will be considered one of the harder exams and they will let us get more wrong than 30. I most definitely do not want to take it again! Of course, now I've got to start studying for the NCLE...

[This message has been edited by Pam (edited 05-23-2000).]

[Texas Ranger]

It's been 30 yrs. since I took the exam...I'm sure that the body of knowledge being tested is much greater. So we study and are shocked by what is asked and realize how much there is we don't know. Surprise,surprise. It's very humbling, but that brings about growth. So, be open to learning. If you didn't pass, they'll let you take the test again. $130 is a very small price to pay for the knowledge of what the ABO considers important they me know! Even is you somehow passed, the realization that there is more to learn is important. I've seen many of your past posts, you're bright and caring and will do better, things are now the way they're supposed to be, don't beat yourself up, just be humble and persist. Al.

[Pete Hanlin]

Steph,
I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience with the examination. Coincidentally, I had an employee named Steph who took the NCLE on Saturday. She had studied very hard and had asked lots of questions- I imagined that she was very prepared for the exam. Well, she says most of the things we covered were not on the exam, and there were a lot of questions on subjects that were only briefly discussed in the study material (e.g., solutions).
After hearing some of the questions, I believe they were all legitimate, relevant questions (in the past, I've assisted with the question writing process- there are great pains taken to ensure the questions aren't "tricky" or "trivial"). However, apparently the content of the exam has changed appreciably in the past few cycles... perhaps the ABO/NCLE needs to republish the "breakdowns" of how the test is weighted.
Anyway, I hope your fears are unfounded and you passed the exam. However, even if you didn't, I hope you are able to continue in the field (albeit, perhaps with people who are more inclined to help you along). In our employee's case, I believe she probably passed... I also know that there was no way anyone here could have been more helpful- we just need to know what areas employees need to study for the test.

Good Luck,
Pete

[Diane]

Steph,

Cheer up, Honey. Chances are you did fine. Doesn't it make you feel a little better to know that the test is a worth while test? Depending on the book(s) you studied, you may have done well.

This is a good profession, and you're right, maybe school would have been better, and right now, is the best time to look into that very issue, if you didn't pass, and maybe even if you did. There are those in this field that have decided after MANY years in the business to go back and get a degree. With three ways to do so, you have choices.

At any rate, whatever the outcome of YOUR test, I have great confidence that you will continue with your particular education. You've shown that you are interested and have the heart.

Diane

[stephanie]

Thanks everyone for making me feel better about it! I was feeling pretty "dumb" for a couple of days. I now realize that it is just a test. Ok it is important, but does it REALLY mean you are a better optician? I know some licensed people who don't even know to adjust a frame before measuring for a seg. I really do love optical, but Lord it sure does sometimes not seem so worth it to go through such torture! On a lighter note my husband studied with me so much that he said he thinks he should be given an honorary ABO. He was waiting for me when I got out of the test discussing prism!!! The funniest part is that he was making sense!LOL! I should have let him take it instead at least he got some sleep that night. Pete, the guy I work with took the NCLE on Sunday too and said it was very hard. I can't even imagine it being harder than the ABO. I am afraid to find out. I really don't think there is any RIGHT way to study for either tests. I even took a review class 2 weeks ago with an ABO master and almost nothing we went over was on the test. I memorized the entire oblique axis chart and I had not one question on it. I thought that was going to be my biggest weakness! Whatever!! Only time will tell now.
Thanks Again!!
Steph
P.S. Chad, can I charge that $130.00 to my Sears charge and can I use my WM discount card? http://www.sonic.net/~smachol/ubb/smile.gif

[JennyP]

To Pam & Steph and everyone else who took the ABO &/or NCLE exams: I think the really tough part is waiting to hear how you did! By the time the results are back, the questions on the test that apply to the sections that you may not have done so well on are getting a little foggy....anyway... we had 2 ABO and 1 NCLE test taker from our location and I know they are gonna be stressing these next several weeks...so Paul, Russell, and Doug: if you guys are reading this...we've got our fingers crossed that you didn't lose your places or go blank on the questions that you should have known forwards and backwards and inside out! :)

[EYERX]

I DONT SEE WHATS SO DIIFICULT ABOUT TAKING THE ABO OR THE NCLE I PASSED BOTH AFTER MY FIRST SEMESTER OF COLLEGE 10 YRS AGO. TRY TAKING THE ABOM TEST OR BETTER YET THE N.J. STATE BOARDS LIKE I DID. STUDY MY GIRL!

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[Pam]

EyeRx,

The hardest part about this test was the questions that had absolutely nothing to do with what I had studied or what I do on a daily basis. There was a post earlier that said there are no "trick" questions on this test - maybe not, but some of them were definitely tricky. I don't think that taking this test made me a better optician, but studying for it definitely did. Maybe there could have been a few more questions on it that were relevant to what opticians actually do...

[Chad Huber]

OK...two things....
First: Stephanie, you cannot charge the $130, that would mean I would have to give 2% back to the card clearinghouse, pay 25% in business taxes and then 28% in personal income taxes. Then a 12% WallyWorld cut for their guest card and I would be left with less than a Happy Meal. You can however collect all the pennies laying around the house and car and mail them to me 3rd class domestic mail. ;)

2nd thing: EYERX, please post in both the upper and lower cases of text. Uppercase only is "like" shouting to us Opti/computer nerds :) BTW, where in the heck is Manahawkin?? And do they make young children learn how to spell that in grammer school?...lol

Chad "Obviously Bored" Huber

[stephanie]

Hi everyone! First, Chad, you know where I work do you really think I have any spare pennies laying around? I don't feel that those of us who felt the Abo was difficult did not study. Quite the contrary in my case and I am sure in Pam's too. There is only so much studying you can do. I studied everything I was told to and then some for absolutely hours!! If I don't pass it certainly will NOT be because I didn't try. I also don't feel like it made me a better optician. Being formerly from NJ myself, I have heard about their state boards. I also know where Manahawkin is. Ah see so those of you who assumed because I live in TN that I talk with a southern accent would have been very surprised to talk to me on the phone!LOL!
Have a great day!!
Steph"does anyone have a yankee to rebel dictionary?" D

[Jerry Thornhill]

I took the ABO test and found it to be a very simple basic test on Optical knowledge. There were a few basic questions on the Z-80 standards. A couple of questions on the eye. How to take power wheel readings off a lensometer and convert it to an RX. A few questions on the best choice of lenses. How to convert an rx to intermediate and near. How much prism and direction on Rx's that were incorrectly decentered. How to measure a PD and Fitting height. If you do not do these things daily as an Optician what do you do?

[Pam]

Jerry,

I do those things pretty much every day, but there were 100 questions on that test. I'll tell you one thing - when I specify an "A" measurement or take a seg height, I don't give the lab a "range" of measurements. We all had the same test book and ruler - I was wondering why the answers weren't more specific.

[stephanie]

Pam,I agree with you. I KNOW how to do all the things that were listed in the above post, but most of the questions I had were basically give the best possible answer with 4 good answers to choose from. I was thinking "ok, what do they think my best possible answer should be?" That was what I felt was hard about it. I had MANY of those questions. I thought I was wasting valuable time trying to figure out what they wanted from me. Without a patient sitting in front of me telling me what they want me to do it is hard to say what the best possible answer is. I am trying not to think about it. I think with the amount of help that I received from everyone who was supposed to help me that I will have done well even if I didn't pass.
Have a Good one!
Steph

[Jerry Thornhill]

Pam,
I thought that the range given for the answer on the frame was very generous. True you give the exact measurement when ordering a lens. But this was a test and it was open to interpretation. Since the drawing was a trace of a shape the actual measurement of the lens would be inside the drawing. If you assumed the outside of the line was the edge of the lens you would get another measurement. For this reason I feel that the range was very justified. Test are nothing more than a sampling of what you know and what you need to know.
The fact that so many people took the test is a good sign for Opticianry. Those of us who took the test should use the results as a measuring stick as to where we stand.
The fact that we are disussing the test and what we felt about it is very good. Whether we agree or not is not important. What is important is that we are voicing our opinions and discussing how we feel about the test.

[Mikol]

Hello Jerry ,

Be very careful how you treat the people on the Optiboard I know for a FACT the the lab you work in has dispensing opticians who are told to "Just sell it and Jerry will figure it out" These people are doing their jobs as opticians on an everyday basis and do a lot more than you may give them credit for. I passed the ABO on my first try also and am wondering if the test that us younger opticians take is the same that you did? Were there really #2 pencils in existence when you took the test? Hope that California is treating you well and that Louise is doing great..........Your Frame Tech Pal


Mikol


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[karen]

Originally posted by Jerry Thornhill:
I took the ABO test and found it to be a very simple basic test on Optical knowledge. There were a few basic questions on the Z-80 standards. A couple of questions on the eye. How to take power wheel readings off a lensometer and convert it to an RX. A few questions on the best choice of lenses. How to convert an rx to intermediate and near. How much prism and direction on Rx's that were incorrectly decentered. How to measure a PD and Fitting height. If you do not do these things daily as an Optician what do you do?

Well, seems like crusty lab managers never change :) Hi jerry!, did you get the email I sent you?
Karen (formerly Newport OSA)

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Because I'm the princess, that's why

[Jerry Thornhill]

Mikol and Karen,
Yes, Mike they had No#2 pencils when I took the test in 1980. In fact that was about all they had. As for the test the younger Opticians take, that was what I was referring to. I took the test last Sunday to recertify as I had not kept up continuing education. I found this test to be easier and more into everyday stuff than the first one. If I do not pass it is no ones fault but mine. It had nothing to do with what was on the test or how the test was written.
Mike, I still remember the Taco's and beer your Mom made on our visit. give your parents my best. I also remember the damn ticket. Louise has Valley Fever and has good days and bad days. She has to take a lot of medicine but still works every day. I find that amazing.
Karen, I got your e-mail and will try to answer over the weekend. I expected to see you at the SOLAMAX seminar in Orange, but you were a no show.

[Darris Chambless]

Originally posted by Jerry Thornhill:
Mikol and Karen,
Yes, Mike they had No#2 pencils when I took the test in 1980. In fact that was about all they had. As for the test the younger Opticians take, that was what I was referring to. I took the test last Sunday to recertify as I had not kept up continuing education. I found this test to be easier and more into everyday stuff than the first one. If I do not pass it is no ones fault but mine. It had nothing to do with what was on the test or how the test was written.
Mike, I still remember the Taco's and beer your Mom made on our visit. give your parents my best. I also remember the damn ticket. Louise has Valley Fever and has good days and bad days. She has to take a lot of medicine but still works every day. I find that amazing.
Karen, I got your e-mail and will try to answer over the weekend. I expected to see you at the SOLAMAX seminar in Orange, but you were a no show.

Hello Mr. Thornhill,

What is "Valley Fever"?

Curious,

Darris C.

[Celenia]

Congratulation's to all who took the ABO. I know it must have been extremely tough test. I'm just glad that I didn't have to take it again!

[karen]

Karen, I got your e-mail and will try to answer over the weekend. I expected to see you at the SOLAMAX seminar in Orange, but you were a no show. [/B][/QUOTE]

That's because I was at the one in Ontario-I have Riverside and San Berdoo Counties so that was the one I was instructed to attend- and you know how I always do what I am told! I am looking forward to hearing from you.

[Jerry Thornhill]

Darris,
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal disease from dust. It is really prevalent in the San Joaquin Valley of California and the Phoenix area. Unfortunately it settled in Lou's lungs and she has it in its dessimated form and hasbeen on large amounts of anti-fungal medicine for the past year. Normal dosage is 150mg a day she is on 600mg a day. she is very suceptable to bronchitis and is very fatigued. It is not communicable. She broke a rib from coughing. She still works every day although our employer has told her she could retire and her check would continue. I think that is amazing for him to do this.
Thank you for your interest.

Jerry

[Jackie L]

Steph and Pam.............Congrats on sitting
for the exam in the first place. I took the ABO exam 16 years ago and although memory reminds me that it MAY have been less dificult, part of me remembers feeling a bit insecure until "The letter" arrives in the mailbox. I am sure you will both pass with flying colors and proudly there will be two more Certified Opticians to enhance our profession...........Jackie O

[Alan W]

To all you folks who took the exam, I congratulate you on your desire to grow. If the test seemed hard, that's not bad news. It means you needed to study some more. I share these tips with you if you retake it, and for the rest of you, try these. They work.
1, Take notes on what you read. Then rewrite the notes at least three times until they are as sharp, clear, clean and fully memorized as they can be. How will you know? Go to #2
2, YOU MUST form a study group of an odd number of members not to exceed 5. ORALLY test each other based on your notes as well as old exams you get your hands on. Correct your notes. Rewrite them completely from front to back. Start your study group 1 month before the exam. Meet once a week until the last 2 weeks. Then 3 times a week.
3, Get lots of rest the day before. DO NOT CRAM. No need to. If you pass the oral exams and wrote all the notes over 4 or 5 times. You are ready.
REWRITING NOTES WRITTEN FROM READING MATERIAL AND SEMINAR LECTURES, COACHING SESSIONS FROM A BRILLIANT EMPLOYER SEVERAL TIMES OVER AND COMPILED IN A BOOK YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF WINS YOU A WIN EVERY TIME.

I have historical proof this works. And, yes . . it seems like a lot to do. But, is your career worth it? Darn tootin it is.

Like they say in show biz when its time to "go on" (take your test) . . .
"Break a leg!" That means do well and "kick *** !"

Alan W

[stephanie]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the encouragement. I am really starting to feel a little better about it all. I did most of what Alan said to do except the get plenty of rest the night before. I am an extreme type A personality and could not have slept if someone paid me to. I really had no one to study with however. My husband and my mom tested me,but neither one of them knows a thing about optical. Of course now they are probably both ready to sit for the exam :)I really feel now that if I did not pass that I will just get over it and take it again. As hard as failure will be for me I love the business and can't imagine doing anything else. As for rewriting the notes: my notes look like when you get punished in grade school and made to write a million sentences! Of course that NEVER happened to me y'know :)
Thanks again everyone!
Steph

[Diane]

I agree that study groups work, as do review courses. Each person has to realize, however, that a review course DOES NOT teach Optics, it is a review and reminds us what to brush up on, only.

One thing that I did many years ago, was to read outloud into a tape recorder, and at night after I was tired of studying, I simply turned the tape on and fell asleep listening to it. Don't know if it worked, but the experts say we learn in different ways. My belief is that it's kinda like chicken soup. Couldn't hurt.

Diane

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[Diane]

I just thought of something else. Why don't we start posts here, but in the technical site, items that those who will be studying for the ABO test, can refer to. What better place to assist our fellow future opticians.

Diane (I still believe that education is the key)

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[LabMeister]

Pam, Steph, et. al.
I also took the exam last month....I agree it was most difficult! I opened that book and thought I was in the wrong room! What the heck happened? I studied for 6 months, an hour and a half each morning, uninterrupted, without fail. I bought $200 worth of books and study materials from NAO, to suppliment what I could get my hands on at work. I tested myself constantly, moving from 40% range to 95% range average on the tests in the books and programs. I wrote flashcards on all the glossaries and quizzes. I have two spiral notebooks filled with my longhand of notes while I was studying. I always had the notebooks and flashcards with me, studying them at ballgames, in the car at the drawbridge, etc. I had no one to study with, no one I knew was testing, but my co-workers would quiz me all day long. I knew every formula. I got prism down pat. I do optical crosses in my sleep. But I am 100% certain I got 43% correct, so I can only pray my guess factor was extremely high.

Ranges? Come on! A seg height is a seg height, especially when they give you a ruler, and a picture that isn't moving around and looking for friends. How come what I measured was in the middle of two of the "range" choices? Nuts.

I came out of that test and headed straight for my notes, and I couldn't find a single answer to any of the 57 questions I wasn't sure about. I sure never discovered anything about PD or seg height "ranges" while measuring.

Hey, good luck, and same to me. Only 7 more weeks before we find out. And I truly haven't a clue.

[This message has been edited by LabMeister (edited 06-02-2000).]

[stephanie]

Labmeister, I sure can feel your pain(I am sure Pam as well). It was not so much of what was on there as how it was worded. It sure is a heck of alot easier to cut and fit glasses. I really hope you passed! We can all start a prayer chain :) PLEASE GOD LET US PASS! Now I sure can't wait to take the NCLE! How about you, Pam?!(note the sarcasm)
There were just so many answers that were gray areas. I've taken many tests, but most were it is either black or white right or wrong. I studied like you also:flash cards, notebooks, textbooks the whole 9 yards. When I came out that day my husband was waiting outside and he asked me 2or3 times 'how'd you do'? I just kept saying take me home I just want to go home now.
Hope we all passed,
Steph

[Pam]

Steph,
I was going to take the NCLE this fall, but I am all studied out for now! I've done contact lens fitting for about 4 years, but I've been an optician longer than that, and I thought the ABO was hard. I think I will take a break on tests for a little while, enjoy the summer 'cause it doesn't last that long up here, and take the NCLE next spring. That way I can spend the long cold winter indoors studying contact lenses! Well, we all need something to look forward to!

[stephanie]

Pam, I agree with you on this one. I have decided to take it next May also. We can not legally fit contacts in the state of TN unless under the supervision of a doctor. I know quite a bit about them, but then again I thought I knew quite a bit about lenses until I took the ABO. I think we probably both did fine on it. I sure hope everyone who took it passed. Everyone I have spoke with here that passed it said they had absolutely no idea whether they had passed or not until they got the dreaded letter. I would have paid the proctors if they would have graded it then :) I just can't understand why 6-8 weeks for a result. This waiting is harder than the test. Just tell me one way or the other. I am sure that you feel the same way.
Talk to you later!
Steph

[Matthew]

Hello

I hope you passed, I did 11 years ago. Just out of curiosity... can you remember some of the hard questions. I would like to see if they can be answered by with a working opticians knowledge.