Questions about abom

[Dvaladez]

i'm currently thinking about taking the ABOM exam. i just barely found out about it. And it sounds interesting.. i've heard that a master optician can perform eye exams and write RX's

is ne of that true?

and what is the hourly salary?

[Fezz]

Start here:

http://www.abo-ncle.org/

[Wes]

Read this thread first:

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8427

Opticians can't do eye exams, or write Rxs in the US regardless of their certifications. The hourly salary is going to be anything that you can get from an employer for your skills and certifications. It's not a magic, "I can do everything" card.

It consists of taking the Advanced National Opticianry Competency Examination, which, if you pass, you are designated ABOC-AC. This exam currently has a 10% pass rate, and only those who think they're pretty good at what they do ever take it. After that, you must write a 2000-3000 word AMA formatted paper contributing knowledge to the field of Opticianry, and it must pass muster with the Master's Committee, so work on your writing skills. Keep in mind that only about 300 US opticians (roughly ten per year) have ever earned this distinction so don't think it's going to be easy.
Wes

[Dvaladez]

Read this thread first:

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8427

Opticians can't do eye exams, or write Rxs in the US regardless of their certifications. The hourly salary is going to be anything that you can get from an employer for your skills and certifications. It's not a magic, "I can do everything" card.

It consists of taking the Advanced National Opticianry Competency Examination, which, if you pass, you are designated ABOC-AC. This exam currently has a 10% pass rate, and only those who think they're pretty good at what they do ever take it. After that, you must write a 2000-3000 word AMA formatted paper contributing knowledge to the field of Opticianry, and it must pass muster with the Master's Committee, so work on your writing skills. Keep in mind that only about 300 US opticians (roughly ten per year) have ever earned this distinction so don't think it's going to be easy.
Wes

WOW THAT DOES SOUND PRETTY INTENSE. I'M CURRENTLY ABO certified N AM LOOKING INTO STUDYING TO TAKE THE ABO ADVANCED TEST. R THERE NE TUTORING PLACES OR ACTUAL HELP U CAN GET FROM PPL WHO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN IT?

[Wes]

You're going to need them to both study for the exam and to reference your paper.

Here's a good site: http://astore.amazon.com/optiboard-20/

And you can get the Advanced Opticians Tutorial here: https://nao.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm...d=293&compid=1

You may wish to take a technical writing course at your local college.

[Uilleann]

Sadly, of the number of 'master' certified opticians, even then, there is no guarantee of their grasp of knowledge, or their ability to share it. I've had a good number ABOM presented CE that were positively dreadful to sit through...and more than one that I didn't - got up and left. Not really how they got certified in the first place honestly. Perhaps an uncanny knack with technical paper writing, and an aptitude for test taking alone.

That being said - there are a few gems out there still who have genuinely earned the title, and use it to great effect in our industry. When you meet them, you know them instantly. :cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Carbon Pit]

You're going to need them to both study for the exam and to reference your paper.

Here's a good site: http://astore.amazon.com/optiboard-20/

And you can get the Advanced Opticians Tutorial here: https://nao.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm...d=293&compid=1

You may wish to take a technical writing course at your local college.

Yeah, while studying my optical library easily expanded by 30 - 40 books! Of course I went a little overboard!

Just remember Dvaladez that you may need to calculate spectacle magnification, vertex distance, calculate image size (those are just the easy ones I could remeber off the top of my head) etc. etc. If you don't really have an interest in that I wouldn't bother with the test. If your willing to put in the work and pass that bad boy then go for it and I wish you luck!:cheers:

[Fezz]

If you do decide to go for it...let me know!

I over-achieve at keeping you focused and studying hard!

You get your own personal cheerleader!

***Grabs pom-poms***



;):cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

[Uilleann]

...You get your own personal cheerleader!

***Grabs pom-poms***

(And a mini skirt too Fezz??)

*Frantically grabbing the soap and trying to figure out how to scrub THAT mental image out of my brain!!!* :p:cheers::cheers:

[Fezz]

(And a mini skirt too Fezz??)

:p:cheers::cheers:

It's always on!



:drop:

[Uilleann]

*just threw up in my mouth a little... :shiner:

[optical24/7]

A small clarification on refracting opticians. At least in Texas, an optician (or anyone for that matter) can refract legally if you have an OMD sign off on it. I know a few that do. An OD can't sign off on it though, it's in their bylaws.

[Fezz]

*just threw up in my mouth a little... :shiner:

Hey!

It is a cute little lime green leather bun hugger!

[Wes]

A small clarification on refracting opticians. At least in Texas, an optician (or anyone for that matter) can refract legally if you have an OMD sign off on it. I know a few that do. An OD can't sign off on it though, it's in their bylaws.

As far as I know, a monkey can refract in SC, as long as an OMD or DO signs off on it. What I meant was, opticians can't refract on their own. A "real" doc has to sign off on it.

[optical24/7]

A "DO" can sign off, Wes?


:bbg::cheers::bbg:

[Wes]

As far as I know... Heres the creds of a local DO in the largest ophthalmology practice in town:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, D.O.


General Ophthalmology, Cornea Treatment
Fellowship, Cornea and Anterior Segment, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Internship and Residency, Doctors Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
DO: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
BA: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Board Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology
Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Member, American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
Member, American Osteopathic Association


MDs can also write rx for spectacle and cl corections as well, but it is rarely seen


I have been wrong on occassion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_...athic_Medicine

[optical24/7]

I thought D.O. was a dispensing optician. I didn't know a D.O. was a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Thanks Wes!

:cheers:

[Wes]

Sadly, of the number of 'master' certified opticians, even then, there is no guarantee of their grasp of knowledge, or their ability to share it. I've had a good number ABOM presented CE that were positively dreadful to sit through...and more than one that I didn't - got up and left. Not really how they got certified in the first place honestly. Perhaps an uncanny knack with technical paper writing, and an aptitude for test taking alone.

That being said - there are a few gems out there still who have genuinely earned the title, and use it to great effect in our industry. When you meet them, you know them instantly. :cheers::cheers::cheers:

You should go for it.

[canaanlilli]

I've been debating taking the test for the past couple of years, but now you have all scared the crap out of me. I think I'll just finish my Associates in Arts first....*walks away with wide eyes....terrified*

[Wes]

It's one of the few things that will set you apart from "the rest" in any situation, but esp. in an unlicensed state. Maybe you could even find someone to help you out with guidance and info...
Wes

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8427

[Johns]

*Frantically grabbing the soap ...:cheers:

Just don't drop it!

[Fezz]

You should go for it.

He should!!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Wes]

He should!!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

So should YOU!

[Fezz]

So should YOU!

I know, I know...but, I am much too {enter any excuse you want} to do it right now.


Maybe someday!

;):cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Johns]

I know, I know...but, I am much too {working on the FezzJohns Master course (FZM) ) to do it right now.


Maybe someday!

;):cheers::cheers::cheers:

Now that'd be some impressive initials to put behind your name!:cheers:

Johns FZM ABO UT ASD UMB ASY OUC ANG ET