The State of NY goes well beyond the ABO. It requires a state license. It will take a number of years for you to accomplish that in NYS. You can find a plethora of information on this link:
http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/od/odlic.htm.
I am never quite sure what is s confusing to people about the ABO (AMERICAN BOARD OF OPTICIANRY) exam. It is a national certifying agency not a state agency, so it can be taken anywhere in the country, but the education requirements from the link above are spelled out in the link above n require either an approved Associate Degree, or very specific apprenticeship. If you come from another as you are it can be satisfied but it is my understanding it requires letters from those who trained you documenting your training and that it must be equal to that required in NY.......also spelled out above.
Good luck in NY. If you successfully achieve a license, you will make an solid salary and be surrounded by excellent professional Opticians that all had to pass rigorous standards to use the professional title versus a state where it requires a pulse. I wish you the best.
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