Optical Retail to Dispensing Optician

**Sutured** · 11-15-2019, 03:50 PM

Hello, I work in a locally own optical retail store and have been for the last 4.5 years.I work with patients and the doctor as a type of apprenticeship. I'm looking to become a "Dispensing Optician" Licensed and Certified.
I have a bachelors degree in human services, and have complete courses in algebra and general mathematics. Does this qualify me to sign up and take the ABO? I would like to be able to travel out of state and practice as well. Is this a different certification? Under the supervision of our optometrist I have 4.5 years experience in most of every aspect there is to being an Optician from A to Z.

**Kwill212** · 11-15-2019, 05:13 PM

I would surmise from your experience you are vastly overqualified for the basic ABO exam. It is a rather simplistic exam. The ABO is not a governing body and has to real authority, you will need to look at each states laws regarding what is required to be an "optician", whatever that even means anymore. In most states you will find there is nothing required other than a pulse.

**tmorse** · 11-15-2019, 06:28 PM

Basic ABO is an open-challenge exam which provides a good-looking certificate on the wall and may get you a slight increase in pay.

But you will not qualify as a licensed and certified 'Dispensing Optician' in any licensed State in the USA. You need to take a formal opticianry program. See www.nfos.org for opticianry schools in your area... and some programs are available online.

**Uncle Fester** · 11-16-2019, 10:13 AM

You wasted 4.5 years.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/od/odlic.htm

Now get started!

Or move to an unlicensed State and start dispensing.

**Robert Martellaro** · 11-17-2019, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Uncle Fester

You wasted 4.5 years.

I wasted double that!

**AngeHamm** · 11-18-2019, 08:38 AM

There's no such thing as wasted time. You got a bunch of experience that can only help you as you pursue certifications down the road.

**Sutured** · 11-18-2019, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by AngeHamm

There's no such thing as wasted time. You got a bunch of experience that can only help you as you pursue certifications down the road.

This is true. I guess I will get that trainee permit and spend 2 more years here at the office. That will make working here just an educational pursuit all over again. 4.5 years and the first 2 were the worst, though educational. I do appreciate all of the info!