certified VS Non-certified Opticians

**nawsman** · 08-24-2013, 04:38 PM

I am what most would consider a Non ABO certified opticians, I work as a dispensing Optician and a lab technician, been doing this for a little over 6 years now. My question is why would I need to be certified (other than the possibility of better pay) I have the same knowledge as a certified Optician. To point out a fact we Hired an ABO certified Optician an found out he had limited knowledge, only what was taught to them at their last employment, information that came from them had been completely incorrect, verified thru unsatisfied customers, IE incorrect placement of PD, seg Hts, improper Proper Progressive measurements....I did not go to school to learn about what I do, I have a network of places to go to for references to include Optiboard forums.

So Why certify

Horace

**Judy Canty** · 08-24-2013, 07:13 PM

Personal satisfaction? Self-respect? Why do you ask?

**opty4062** · 08-24-2013, 09:34 PM

It may be a bit premature to say you have the same knowledge as a certified optician just because the recent hire in your workplace is less than acceptable in their skills. Personally I have worked in this field for 20 years and have only been certified and state licensed for the last 5. I pursued certification for my own personal growth. I felt like I knew what I was doing before but I had a lot to learn. I continue to learn, both on the job and on my own time, every day because I want to be the best I can at what I do.
You will find those here who bemoan the dumb-ing down of the ABO certification process who have been in the business much longer than either you and I have. I can't speak to that because my own certification is pretty recent. I will say it was a good thing for me to do personally, though, and I encourage everyone to do what they can to further their knowledge and experience in the eye care field.

**optical24/7** · 08-25-2013, 06:24 AM

No offense, but you don't know what you don't know. A certification exam puts your knowledge through a national vetting process. Just the process of studying for one will increase your knowledge, which enables you to better serve your clients/patients. Some (not all) employers will weight a hiring decision towards certification. You can be more marketable.

**cocoisland58** · 08-25-2013, 06:57 AM

In an unlicensed state it's a choice you make (or your employer requires) and as Judy said "Personal satisfaction and self respect" are two reasons you become certified. I can tell you that it looks good on a resume that you took the time to get that ABO.

**CNG** · 08-25-2013, 02:28 PM

I would say is a verification that an outside sources gives stating you know something vs you think you do. But really who cares at this point of the game as you live in unlicensed state.

CNG

**Wes** · 08-25-2013, 03:27 PM

Look at it from the customer's perspective. Would you rather take your car to an ASE certified mechanic or a shade tree mechanic?

**Johns** · 08-25-2013, 05:18 PM

Don't get the certification, and let your potential customers/patients assume what you don't know. If you already know more than everyone else (or at least most of them), why stay in the same classification (none) as them?

**Barry Santini** · 08-25-2013, 05:29 PM

Geez, it seems we can"t even informally recognize the achievement of an ABO, so why drive for more education?
B

**tx11** · 08-25-2013, 09:56 PM

You should sit for the ABO. If that other person passed it and didn't know as much as you...you should have no problem passing. It is recognized across the US as an important achievement in our industry. It only has to be renewed every three years and you will feel good about having it. Go for it.

**Wes** · 08-25-2013, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

Don't get the certification, and let your potential customers/patients assume what you don't know. If you already know more than everyone else (or at least most of them), why stay in the same classification (none) as them?

So true. Either be assumed to be less qualified than that certified person, or go out and earn the ABOC to be considered equals or earn the ABO-AC and the ABOM to demonstrate a superior achievement.
Even better, complete a 2 year program in optical sciences from a COA accredited institution.

**Uilleann** · 08-26-2013, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by tx11

You should sit for the ABO. ...It is recognized across the US as an important achievement in our industry...

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

A HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Seriously??? "Recognized" across the US??? By WHOM exactly? The cash cow accountants sitting in their office in Springfield? See, the thing is, fewer and fewer employers give a toss about the ABO (most are savvy enough to realize is rapidly depreciating quality/value) and if they offer a raise for having it - it's peanuts. The fact is, that the general public doesn't know - or indeed care in the least - what an optician is. Indeed, most off the street couldn't tell you any appreciable difference between the three O's.

So get your wallet out and the test if you like, don't if you feel you won't see any gains. It's up to you OP. But it is anything but widely "recognized".

**Robert Martellaro** · 08-26-2013, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Uilleann

The fact is, that the general public doesn't know - or indeed care in the least - what an optician is.

Somewhat true for the young adults, but they're at the bottom of a steep learning curve. But older adults expect that opticians are credentialed, and are shocked and surprised when they're told that in most states, there is no regulation of our trade/profession...no educational requirements, no training, with age only restricted by state child labor laws.

My recommendation to the OP is to take the certification test, keep learning, and hone your skills.

**optical24/7** · 08-26-2013, 10:07 AM

Uille..."Not widely recognized"? Tell me of an optician that's been in this field for any length of time that hasn't heard of it. Most states that require licensure require it. Even Texas, which is non-licensed has almost 2k that have at least the basic ABOC. Who recognizes it? Many opticians and employers. I don't hire Opticians without it. It shows me;

A: They take their career seriously
B: Have at least basic optical knowledge

I know a lot of opticians that have 20 years into this that have failed it...Twice! Some opticians have 20 years experience 20 times their first year in this business, in other words, they haven't learned much after their first year. Years in do not necessarily equal knowledge or qualification.

There is no other testing/certifying agency that conducts a uniform vetting of opticianry nationally.

**kcount** · 08-26-2013, 11:32 AM

Uillean, I wont hire an optician without an ABO at minimum. In reality, my part timer is required to make AC in 5 years. There is a substantial pay raise for AC and another bump at ABOM. Most of the offices in my area require ABO as a minimum. Some, not all employers recognize the value of education. In the end I think its the view that one who signs on the front of the check rather than the back that changes your opinion.

**Johns** · 08-26-2013, 01:41 PM

I apologize for my ignorance. This is the first time this has came up int the four years working as an optician and my Doc has gone on vacation..lucky him.

I have the same knowledge as a certified Optician.

In the state the OP is from, you are considered an optician the first day on the job, regardless of your experience, or background. This should be reason enough to get certified.

**uncut** · 08-26-2013, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by nawsman

I am what most would consider a Non ABO certified opticians, I work as a dispensing Optician and a lab technician, been doing this for a little over 6 years now. My question is why would I need to be certified (other than the possibility of better pay) I have the same knowledge as a certified Optician. To point out a fact we Hired an ABO certified Optician an found out he had limited knowledge, only what was taught to them at their last employment, information that came from them had been completely incorrect, verified thru unsatisfied customers, IE incorrect placement of PD, seg Hts, improper Proper Progressive measurements....I did not go to school to learn about what I do, I have a network of places to go to for references to include Optiboard forums.

So Why certify

Horace

I am sorry, Horace......but I am still trying to wrap my mind around your question.

In my country calling yourself something you are not, doesn't allow you to call yourself that.

You are a optician, lawyer, plumber, accountant............ or you are not, period.

I do believe that many people have skills beyond their qualified census/tax form occupation. I know legal assistants that would run circles around some lawyers, and would make brilliant litigants......but can't call themselves a lawyer. I have met many nurses that would shine as physicians, but can't call themselves Dr.

**mscoco** · 08-27-2013, 12:18 AM

from my experience (socal only), most private practices don't want/care if you get it. why should they? that might mean they might have to pay you more? that alone gets me going.
when i got mine, not only did i not get a raise in pay, i didn't even get a congrats.
more education? why raise the bar? (sarcasm)

don't come to optiboard daily, but...i really don't see many california opticians on here? hmm? i wonder why?
am i wrong?

**Diane** · 08-27-2013, 07:20 AM

Sometimes I just wonder....where is our profession going? I am an apprentice trained Optician from way back. However, today, I believe because of the technology out there and how fast it is moving, the only way to be a decent Optician, is to go for formal education. And we are talking about simply trying to learn just enough to pass a basic test? I've told this story before, but I'll tell it again. Years ago, I made a decision to take my ABO Master's exam. I was licensed in Georgia, ABO certified, NCLE certified and owned my own thriving practice. People asked me why would I want to spend the time and money to go for ABOM? My answer to them then was that I believed that during the study to prove my knowledge, I would gain knowledge and that MY PATIENTS were worth that. I will echo what others echo, here including Warren McDonald...you don't know what you don't know.

ABO Certification may not mean much to you, now, but it allows you to be mobile. And PLEASE don't call yourself an optician if you have nothing to show that you are one.

Diane

**Jason H** · 08-27-2013, 07:48 AM

From a purely pragmatic standpoint is Horace right? The ABO is cheap. Yeah, blasphemy. It's just the truth. There are as many good opticians without an ABOC after their name as there are pretentious phonies with the full alphabet backwards after theirs. Years of glasses in an hour and BOGO have diluted our entire, legitimately "healthcare" industry. How it gets fixed? I dunno. There are far more people interested in our talents on the cheap than there are people trying to further our profession.

**NCspecs** · 08-27-2013, 08:01 AM

I didn't get my ABO for anyone else but myself. In fact, the OD I was working for at the time attempted to discourage me from doing it!!! Needless to say, I ignored him, got it, and then used my offical title in my inter-office email signature the day after it was offical. I got a lukewarm, "Oh hey, nice job". I left 2 weeks after that.

It's not about other people's validation- it's about becoming the best at what you do. It's about pride in your profession.

**Diane** · 08-27-2013, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by NCspecs

I didn't get my ABO for anyone else but myself. In fact, the OD I was working for at the time attempted to discourage me from doing it!!! Needless to say, I ignored him, got it, and then used my offical title in my inter-office email signature the day after it was offical. I got a lukewarm, "Oh hey, nice job". I left 2 weeks after that.

It's not about other people's validation- it's about becoming the best at what you do. It's about pride in your profession.

We need a like button.

Diane

**Johns** · 08-27-2013, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jason H

Years of glasses in an hour and BOGO have diluted our entire, legitimately "healthcare" industry.

That's reason enough to differentiate yourself from the others.

And PLEASE don't call yourself an optician if you have nothing to show that you are one.
Diane

Too true!

I didn't get my ABO for anyone else but myself. In fact, the OD I was working for at the time attempted to discourage me from doing it!!!

It's not just an OD thing, but employers in general. Why not? You're doing the same job today, you were doing yesterday...why more pay? That is the mindset of many employers.

**Rialeigh** · 08-27-2013, 08:17 AM

I say get your ABO. You never know where life takes you. I am a Military Spouse so I had to focus on getting my Opticianry degree and then gobble up as many professional certifications as I can. Who knows how your life my change and even if you don't think they mean much, they help if/when you have to find new employment. No one ever said "Man I wish I didn't have this certificate on the wall with my name on it"

**Johns** · 08-27-2013, 08:21 AM

It starts at a young age. My 16 yr old son worked for me all summer (painting), but on his days off, Saturdays, he got a job at a local mechanic's garage. (I am really surprised, happy, and grateful, as I have very little mechanic skills)

The first day on the job, his boss showed him how to change the front brakes on a pick-up truck. By the end of the day, he had done 4 sets. I was impressed. Apparently, my son was impressed w/his abilities also, as later that night, my wife showed me that he had changed his Facebook profile to reflect his new "occupation". It now reads: Brake Specialists at Doug's Automotive.

I'm glad he doesn't work in my office or he'd be an Optical Specialist, and then I'd have to pay him more!