Apprenticeship EDucation Options

Educational Options Available to Florida Apprentice Opticians

Each of the following methods can be applied towards the 6,240 hours of training to complete the apprenticeship program.

a) Hours earned while under the supervision of the sponsor(s) that is on the premises and all work produced is personally inspected and approved by a sponsor.

b) Time spent enrolled in opticianry courses at an accredited opticianry program may be substituted for apprenticeship time. Each credit hour earned shall count as 86.67 hours of apprenticeship time. One 3 credit class equals 260 hours of apprenticeship training. Online college programs are available.

c) Each approved CE hour counts as one hour of apprenticeship training.  Proof of attendance must be submitted to the Board.

d) The Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program satisfies Florida’s apprenticeship training requirement to become a Licensed Optician. Completion of the Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program is required for an apprentice whose sponsor is not Florida Board Certified for Contact Lenses.  Upon completion, apprentices will earn 160 work hours towards their apprenticeship training program.


MORE INFORMTION ON APPRENTICE PROGRAMS/REQUIREMENTS HERE:

Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar


POF offers apprentices all the required courses needed for licensure.  

Live Education

Upcoming Events

    • January 01, 2026
    • December 31, 2026
    • Online
    Register

    Professional Opticians of Florida have partnered with WINK Productions to offer a new on-line program developed to review the fundamentals needed to help you prepare for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Certification Examinations required for licensure in Florida.

    Each virtual interactive lesson consists of slides, audio, speaker notes and a quiz, allowing you to review and complete the training independently. Online testing can make sure the most important information is understood. And, interactive education is more fun and more likely to be retained.

    Your email confirmation will include information on accessing the review courses.


    POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.


    • February 27, 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • March 01, 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • The Island Resort at Ft. Walton Beach , 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: (850) 337-9194
    Register


    Spring Spectacle 2026
    Hosted at the Beautiful Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

    Join us on the Emerald Coast for an unforgettable weekend of top-tier optical education, professional networking, and beachside fun—all at The Island Resort, one of Florida’s premier oceanfront destinations.

     

    Incredible Hotel Rates at The Island Resort

    POF has negotiated exclusive discounts for our attendees:

    • $145 – Pool View, Double Queen

    • $160 – Gulf View, Double Queen

    • $240 – Junior Suite, Gulf View (Double Queen or King)
      King beds available upon request and subject to availability

    ✔️ No Resort Fee
    ✔️ Free Parking
    ✔️ Free Wi-Fi

    Special group rates expire January 25, 2026—or sooner if the room block fills up. Don’t wait—book early!

    Call 850-337-9194 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM CDT)
    Or click below to reserve your room now:

    BOOK HOTEL

    Why You Should Attend

    Full Details on Spring Spectacle 2026

    Member Pricing & CE Value

    POF Member Rate: Just $127 for all three days
    Standard Rate: $237 for non-members
    Includes up to 22 hours of continuing education

    What Your Registration Includes

    Morning coffee service on Saturday & Sunday
    ️A hot, delicious plated lunch on Saturday
    Access to our Optical Trade Show & Happy Hour on Saturday after CE

    Don't miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and relax in paradise.
    Spring Spectacle 2026 — Where Education Meets the Emerald Coast!

    POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.

    Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, do you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.

    • March 02, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • April 06, 2026
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar
    Register

    ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help opticians confidently prepare for the ABO Basic Certification Exam.

    This comprehensive review series consists of six (6) live webinar sessions, each two (2) hours in length. Instruction is provided by an experienced Opticianry Program Instructor. Throughout the series, the instructor will review key exam content, explain essential concepts, and answer participant questions to ensure you are well prepared in advance of your exam.

    Webinar Schedule

    • March 2
    • March 9
    • March 16
    • March 23
    • March 30
    • April 6

    Webinar Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

    ________________________________________

    Course Content Overview

    This review course covers the core areas of knowledge tested on the ABO Basic Certification Exam, including:

    I. Ophthalmic Optics

    • Terminology
    • Lens characteristics, powers, and formulas
    • Multifocal lenses
    • Lens materials
    • Prism

    II. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

    • Structure and function of the eye
    • Refractive errors

    III. Ophthalmic Products

    • Lenses and frames
    • Application of product knowledge
    • Verifying frame and lens parameters

    IV. Instrumentation

    • Use of lens power devices
    • Selection of ophthalmic tools, instruments, and equipment
    • Proper use and maintenance of ophthalmic tools and equipment

    V. Dispensing Procedures

    • Visual needs for lifestyle and occupational activities
    • Fitting, adjusting, measuring, and verification

    VI. Laws, Regulations, and Standards


    For more information on the

    ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Programs

    Click Here

    ________________________________________

    POF’s Promise to You

    POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician. We accept all major credit cards, as well as checks submitted in advance or on-site.

    Cancellation Policy

    POF is pleased to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future POF event—no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

    Special Accommodations

    In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations.

    Call 850-201-2622

    Pre-registration and written notice at least 7 days in advance are required.

    • March 04, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • April 08, 2026
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar
    Register

    NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the NCLE Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help candidates confidently prepare for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

    This comprehensive webinar series consists of six (2-hour) live sessions, instructed by an experienced Opticianry program instructor. Participants will receive focused instruction on exam-related material and have the opportunity to ask questions in advance of their exam.

    Webinar Dates

    • March 4
    • March 11
    • March 18
    • March 25
    • April 1
    • April 8

    Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (ET)

    This course is designed to prepare candidates for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

    Course Topics Include

    Domain I

    • Ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology as it relates to contact lens wear

    Domain II

    • Refractive errors, including ametropias and optical conditions related to contact lenses

    Domain III

    • Pre-fitting techniques to evaluate corneal measurements and refractive error, including identification of specialty materials and lens designs

    Domains V & VI

    • Diagnostic fitting and dispensing of soft and rigid contact lenses
    • Aftercare, wearing schedules, and patient hygiene
    • Use of instruments, tests, and evaluation procedures

    Domain VII

    • Follow-up care and problem-solving protocols related to normal and abnormal symptoms

    Domain VIII

    • Legal aspects of contact lenses and tolerance standards used in contact lens fitting

    For more information on the NCLE/ABO Exam Review
    Click Here

    POF’s Promise to You

    POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician.

    • POF offers an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future event, no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

    Special Accommodations


    In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations. Call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days’ advance written notice are required.

    • March 31, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Webinar-Online
    Register

    All Florida Apprentices are required to attend an approved two-hour Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation course within one year of registering for

    their program. This webinar will fulfill your orientation course requirement and it includes the latest requirements, current deadlines, new exam updates and educational options for Apprentices.

    A limited number of spaces are available during the webinar, and they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Sponsors of Apprentices can participate on the space available basis, however, this webinar will NOT be available for CE credit to Florida Opticians.

    This webinar is FREE to all Future Optician Members of POF and the standard rate of only $29 for Apprentices that are not members of POF. Join POF as a Future Optician Member for only $45 a year for the many benefits, including this Webinar. 

    Join POF


    • May 29, 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • May 31, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Innisbrook Golf Resort, 36750 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
    Register

    We are looking forward to seeing you and your colleagues at the Innisbrook Golf Resort & Spa.

    We have scheduled a full, education-packed weekend for Opticians, Apprentice Opticians, and Student Opticians.


    For Full Details on West Coast Better Vision


    Schedule at a Glance


    Friday, May 29,2026

    10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

    12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

    Saturday, May 30, 2026

    7:30 am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00 am CE Courses Start 

    11:45 am Lunch & Trade Show

    Once education ends on Saturday, please join us for Happy Hour in the Trade Show followed by Opticians After Dark 

    Sunday, May 31, 2026

    7:30am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00am CE Courses Start 



      Innisbrook Golf Resort & Spa is home to four championship courses including Copperhead, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Driving through Innisbrook Resort’s welcome gates, you’ll get carried away by rolling hills and peaceful lakes set across the spacious property. Ideal for group trips with endless activities for all — unwind at six pools, indulge at our restaurants, practice tennis, and pamper yourself at the luxurious Salamander Spa.

      • Hotel rooms only $179/night-includes resort fee
      • On Property Transportation
      • Gated Security
      • Non Motorized Bicycles
      • 6 Swimming Pools
      • Fitness Center
      • Miniature Golf
      • Driving Range with Free Bucket of Balls
      • Tennis Court Access

      O

      36750 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

      Please book by May 1, 2026

      Book Online


      POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.

      Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, if you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.
      • May 29, 2026
      • 12:00 PM
      • May 31, 2026
      • 5:00 PM
      • Innisbrook Golf Resort, 36750 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
      • 30
      Register

      Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

      The Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) offers a comprehensive 32-hour Contact Lens Certificate Program that meets and exceeds Florida’s Apprenticeship Training Requirements for apprentices sponsored by a non–Board Certified optician, in accordance with Florida Administrative Rule 64B12-16.003.

      Designed specifically for Apprentice Opticians in Florida, this program combines flexible online learning with immersive, hands-on clinical training led by experienced contact lens professionals.

      Program Overview

      Total Training: 32 Hours

      • 13 hours of self-paced online instruction
      • 19 hours of live, hands-on clinical training

      This blended format allows apprentices to build a strong theoretical foundation before applying those skills in a supervised clinical setting.

      Part 1: Online Instruction (13 Hours)

      Available in advance of the clinical workshop

      Part 1 delivers essential contact lens theory through thoughtfully structured online modules. Apprentices may complete the coursework at their own pace, ensuring readiness for the in-person clinical experience in Part 2.

      Part 2: Live Clinical Workshop (19 Hours)

      Palm Harbor, FL — POF’s West Coast Better Vision 2026 Event


      Part 2 is an intensive three-day clinical workshop focused on real-world application. Apprentices will spend 19 hours working directly with highly skilled contact lens instructors, gaining hands-on experience in contact lens fitting, evaluation, and patient care.


      Important Registration Reminder

      To be eligible for the clinical workshop, participants must register for the Certificate Program and complete all 13 online hours (Part 1) by:

      Tuesday, May 26, 2026

      Registration & Pricing

      Discounted POF Member Rate: $425
      Includes a complimentary one-year POF Apprentice Membership

      Learn More & Register

      For additional information or to register for the Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program, visit:

       POF.org/apprentice

      Register Now


       MORE on the Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

      West Coast Better Vision
      Hosted at Innisbrook Golf Resort & Spa

      Innisbrook Golf Resort & Spa features four championship golf courses, including the famed Copperhead Course, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Nestled among rolling hills and serene lakes, the resort offers an ideal setting for education, relaxation, and recreation.

      Resort Accommodations

      Special Rate: $179 per night (includes resort fee)

      Resort amenities include:

      • On-property transportation
      • Gated security
      • Non-motorized bicycle access
      • Six swimming pools
      • Fitness center
      • Miniature golf
      • Driving range (includes one free bucket of balls)
      • Tennis court access
      • Salamander Spa and multiple dining options


      Address:
      36750 US Highway 19 North
      Palm Harbor, FL 34684


      Book Hotel

      Room reservation deadline: May 1, 2026

      Cancellation Policy

      • Cancel for any reason and receive 100% credit toward a future POF event.
      • Cancellations at least 2 weeks prior: credit applied to your POF account.
      • Cancellations within 2 weeks: registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

      Special Accommodations

      In accordance with the ADA, accommodations are available upon request.
      Please call 850-201-2622.
      Pre-registration and 7 days’ written notice are required.

      • May 29, 2026
      • 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
      • Innisbrook Golf Resort, 36750 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
      • 31
      Register

      Special Session for 32-hr Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program Attendees  

      Hands-on Frame Fitting and Adjustments

      Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 5:15 pm - 6:55pm

      $37 Registration Fee

      Due to the nature of this event registration will close on Sunday, May 22, 2026 and no onsite registrations will be allowed for this event.


      Course Description

      Opticians are constantly tasked with fitting and adjusting several common materials used in eyewear manufacturing, but there are some materials that require special attention and care before fitting and adjusting.  These special materials are often feared and met with resistance by opticians when it comes to fitting and adjusting, although there's nothing to fear. 

      • July 17, 2026
      • 10:00 AM
      • July 19, 2026
      • 2:00 PM
      • JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
      Register

      Your friends at Professional Opticians of Florida look forward to you joining us at Vision Preview 2026  at a NEW Location & Time!

      JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa! We put together the best educational speakers in Opticianry for this weekend's event.


      Schedule at a Glance


      Friday, July 17th 

      10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

      12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

      Saturday, July 18th 

      7:30 am Registration Desk Opens

      8:00 am CE Courses Start 

      11:45 am Lunch & Trade Show

      Once education ends on Saturday, please join us for Happy Hour in the Trade Show followed by Opticians After Dark  

      Sunday, July 19th

      7:30am Registration Desk Opens

      8:00am CE Courses Start 

      For the Vision Preview Education Schedule Click Here

      JW Marriott Miami Turnberry

      Resort & Spa

      • Group Rate-$195/night
      • $20 Overnight Self Parking
      • $15 Daily Self Parking
      • Resort Fee $20 per room per night

      Resort Fee Includes:

      • Daily Access to the Spa, Fitness Center, and Wellness Circuit including access to the Aromatherapy/Chromatherapy Steam Room and Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite, reservations required.
      • Daily Access to Cascata Pool (Adults Only)
      • Admission to Tidal Cove Water Park (based on legal occupancy of room type)
      • Daily Access to driving range with unlimited use of range golf balls. Reservations are required.
      • Use of resort bikes; unlimited time limit, reservations required
      • Children 3 years of age and under eat complimentary at CORSAIR (children’s menu)
      • Enhanced high-speed internet access in the guestroom

      Book Hotel

      19999 W Country Club Dr

      Aventura, FL 33180

      305-932-6200

      *Block rate ends June 24, 2026*

      Please call The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa In House Reservations at 786-279-6770 or toll free at 855-999-0493 and advise them you are with the POF - 2025 Vision Preview and ask for the POF group rate of $195 per night.

       

      POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.

      Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, do you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.

      • November 02, 2026
      • 7:00 PM
      • December 07, 2026
      • 9:00 PM
      • Online Webinar
      Register

      ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

      Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help opticians confidently prepare for the ABO Basic Certification Exam.

      This comprehensive review series consists of six (6) live webinar sessions, each two (2) hours in length. Instruction is provided by an experienced Opticianry Program Instructor. Throughout the series, the instructor will review key exam content, explain essential concepts, and answer participant questions to ensure you are well prepared in advance of your exam.

      Webinar Schedule

      • November 2
      • November 9
      • November 16
      • November 23 
      • November 30
      • December 7

      Webinar Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

      ________________________________________

      Course Content Overview

      This review course covers the core areas of knowledge tested on the ABO Basic Certification Exam, including:

      I. Ophthalmic Optics

      • Terminology
      • Lens characteristics, powers, and formulas
      • Multifocal lenses
      • Lens materials
      • Prism

      II. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

      • Structure and function of the eye
      • Refractive errors

      III. Ophthalmic Products

      • Lenses and frames
      • Application of product knowledge
      • Verifying frame and lens parameters

      IV. Instrumentation

      • Use of lens power devices
      • Selection of ophthalmic tools, instruments, and equipment
      • Proper use and maintenance of ophthalmic tools and equipment

      V. Dispensing Procedures

      • Visual needs for lifestyle and occupational activities
      • Fitting, adjusting, measuring, and verification

      VI. Laws, Regulations, and Standards


      For more information on the

      ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Programs

      Click Here

      ________________________________________

      POF’s Promise to You

      POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician. We accept all major credit cards, as well as checks submitted in advance or on-site.

      Cancellation Policy

      POF is pleased to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future POF event—no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

      Special Accommodations

      In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations.

      Call 850-201-2622

      Pre-registration and written notice at least 7 days in advance are required.

      • November 04, 2026
      • 7:00 PM
      • December 09, 2026
      • 9:00 PM
      • Online Webinar
      Register

      NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

      Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the NCLE Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help candidates confidently prepare for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

      This comprehensive webinar series consists of six (2-hour) live sessions, instructed by an experienced Opticianry program instructor. Participants will receive focused instruction on exam-related material and have the opportunity to ask questions in advance of their exam.

      Webinar Dates

      • November 4
      • November 11
      • November 18
      • November 25
      • December 2
      • December 9

      Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (ET)

      This course is designed to prepare candidates for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

      Course Topics Include

      Domain I

      • Ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology as it relates to contact lens wear

      Domain II

      • Refractive errors, including ametropias and optical conditions related to contact lenses

      Domain III

      • Pre-fitting techniques to evaluate corneal measurements and refractive error, including identification of specialty materials and lens designs

      Domains V & VI

      • Diagnostic fitting and dispensing of soft and rigid contact lenses
      • Aftercare, wearing schedules, and patient hygiene
      • Use of instruments, tests, and evaluation procedures

      Domain VII

      • Follow-up care and problem-solving protocols related to normal and abnormal symptoms

      Domain VIII

      • Legal aspects of contact lenses and tolerance standards used in contact lens fitting

      For more information on the NCLE/ABO Exam Review
      Click Here

      POF’s Promise to You

      POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician.

      • POF offers an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future event, no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

      Special Accommodations


      In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations. Call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days’ advance written notice are required.

      • November 24, 2026
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Webinar-Online
      Register

      All Florida Apprentices are required to attend an approved two-hour Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation course within one year of registering for

      their program. This webinar will fulfill your orientation course requirement and it includes the latest requirements, current deadlines, new exam updates and educational options for Apprentices.

      A limited number of spaces are available during the webinar, and they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Sponsors of Apprentices can participate on the space available basis, however, this webinar will NOT be available for CE credit to Florida Opticians.

      This webinar is FREE to all Future Optician Members of POF and the standard rate of only $29 for Apprentices that are not members of POF. Join POF as a Future Optician Member for only $45 a year for the many benefits, including this Webinar. 

      Join POF


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