If you are an optician, NCSORB needs your HELP!

**hcjilson** · 07-15-2008, 01:18 PM

We are looking for the input of all opticians whether licensed or not.
NCSORB is the National Committee of State Optical Regulatory Boards. Through the efforts of Jon Bright (fellow Optiboarder and member of the VA board) a task analysis survey has been created which will be used in the establishment of a practical examination suitable for multi-state or national usage. It is first necessary for a task analysis of the occupation to be completed by a statiscally significant number of existing practitioners, in order for the exam to be defensible.

The survey will require some time to complete (I've taken it but so long ago I can't remember how much time it took.) Please complete it once you have started. If the first person taking it could time it, come back and post it below. Also feel free to add whatever comments you want. Feedback is wanted if you have a mind to.
Thanks for doing this.
hcj

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?s...6qqv5qIA_3d_3d

PS We're trying something new here and there may be bugs to work out- stay with us!

**Jacqui** · 07-15-2008, 03:15 PM

This sounds interesting for states that are just getting started with the licensing process.

**Fezz** · 07-15-2008, 03:15 PM

Harry,

Got it done. I clocked it at 10 minutes. I took a little longer than what I normally would, my mind was elsewhere!

Please keep us posted as to the progress of this survey!

**Fezz** · 07-15-2008, 03:18 PM

PS. Is there anything else that we can do to help?

**hcjilson** · 07-15-2008, 05:46 PM

Direct anyone you know in the business to the post. If they aren't members of Optiboard I think they still can click on the link to fill out the survey. The results are sent to Jon and if there is any interest, I am sure he would be happy to share wht he has. Is there anything that wasn't in the survey that you think should have been included?? Thanks for doing this ...all of you!

**Mark Miller- POF** · 07-15-2008, 07:40 PM

I am interested in helping promote the NCSORB survey on our web site and in our eNewletter and was interested in why there is a limited number practice settings for Opticians are listed. If these are the only work options available for respondents - will that skew the results of the survey? Can Opticians that work in other places and still take the survey?

8. Which best describes where you work?

Independent Optician
Independent Ophthalmic practice
Independent Optometric practice
Laboratory
Not currently employed

Can additional options be added to this questions?

Thanks for listening.

**hcjilson** · 07-15-2008, 07:49 PM

I don't know the answer to that but for the time being respondents should pick the classification closest to their situation.I don't think it really makes a difference because the questions in the analysis are job related and employment situation has little bearing on that. I am going to get a clarification on that but it shouldn't stop anyone from taking the survey. Thanks for bringing it to our attention and we welcome any assistance you, and/or any of your optical friends can provide. Harry

**HarryChiling** · 07-15-2008, 08:54 PM

Painless and I linked to the survey from the ATO site: http://onlineopticianry.com/wordpress/?p=171

**harry a saake** · 07-15-2008, 09:16 PM

Harry, how come thers no place for a chain optician, as some of those questions would make more sense to a chain optician as to an independent

**Johns** · 07-15-2008, 09:37 PM

Done. Took me a little more than 10 minutes, and that's with a clear (as clear as it gets) head.

**Old Nick** · 07-15-2008, 09:40 PM

I could not complete the survey. I'm ABO-AC and NCLE certified, but i'm self-trained. Optics I learned by making lenses and the things with which to test them. Ophthalmics I learned out of books.
I'm for formal education, and for licensure.

**Framebender** · 07-16-2008, 06:26 AM

in about 10 minutes too!

:cheers:

**Old Nick** · 07-16-2008, 07:17 AM

15minutes

**optical24/7** · 07-16-2008, 07:44 AM

Only 7 minutes for me!

Of course might quick time is surely due to my gadgiate daygree fom teh Evenlyn Wood sped redin' class I took.....

( I sat two rows over from Chip. :D )

:cheers:

**hcjilson** · 07-16-2008, 08:53 AM

Its not a race- its a survey that will be used to create an exam to test the entry level skills of the applicant. Please take your time to accurately answer the questions. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.

**Johns** · 07-16-2008, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by hcjilson

Its not a race- its a survey that will be used to create an exam to test the entry level skills of the applicant. Please take your time to accurately answer the questions. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.

I took my time. I posted my times to let others know that it's not a big time of your lifetime to fill it out.

**Ginster** · 07-16-2008, 10:16 AM

Hey, everyone in Texas needs to take this survey.:)

**bob_f_aboc** · 07-16-2008, 10:24 AM

Done and done.

**optical24/7** · 07-16-2008, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Johns

I took my time. I posted my times to let others know that it's not a big time of your lifetime to fill it out.

Ditto what Johns said. Just showing that it doesn't take long to read and answer.

**jherman** · 07-16-2008, 11:02 AM

20min

**DragonLensmanWV** · 07-16-2008, 02:42 PM

Took me only three minutes! Kept my eyes closed the whole time!;)

Actually it took about ten minutes, not a problem at all.:cheers:

**Jon Bright** · 07-16-2008, 04:37 PM

I am sorry that Optical Chain was left out of the survey.

8. Which best describes where you work?

Independent Optician
Independent Ophthalmic practice
Independent Optometric practice
Laboratory
Not currently employed

I have added it back in, but if you have already taken the survey, please don't take it again. We have only had 28 surveys completed before the change so I don't think it will significantly alter the results.
Thanks
Jon

**VHB** · 07-17-2008, 01:49 PM

I'm like Old Nick--never was in a formal apprenticeship program. I got hired by an optician in Austin thirty-some years ago and just followed him around, watching what he did and asking questions when the customers left. Plus, sweeping out the back room, cleaning the dead cockroaches out of the dropball tester which he NEVER used ("Why would I want to damage a perfectly good lens?") and being polite to people that he would harrass ("If I can make a sales rep cry, it's a good day.") It was quite an education, I can tell you! I bought a copy of "Professional Dispensing for Opticianry" and took the tests at the end of each chapter. When I got my certification, I left and went to work for Pat Sreenan in Dallas--the best boss in the world.

I have very mixed feelings about licensing. I've met some really bad licensed opticians. I think that the best way to learn is by following someone around and watching--but it's better if you're following someone GOOD!

**spazz** · 07-17-2008, 06:26 PM

Done, it took about 10 minutes.

**dcdwn** · 07-20-2008, 01:28 PM

I am glad that I had a chance to take the survey thanks to Frame Bender coming by my shop and talking to me about optiboard. Been to busy with other things. Hope you had a great ride.

Thanks,
Don P.
ROATX OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR