Upcoming POF events

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• ABO & NCLE Exam Reviews (Online)

  • Start
    January 01, 2025
  • End
    December 31, 2025
  • Location
    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.
  

  
  

  Show details
• CE's on the Seas 2025

  • Start
    January 23, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    January 27, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • Location
    9241 Charles M Rowland Dr, Port Canaveral, FL 32920
  • Spaces left
    1

  **Registration is Closed**

  

  CE's on the Seas 2025

  Join POF on a Voyage to Remember

  Sailing out of Port Canaveral, FL to the Bahamas!

  
  

  
  

  Join us on Carnival Cruise Lines
  

  Carnival Freedom 

  *All prices are based on double occupancy. Port fees and taxes are included (gratuities not included)*

  Interior Cabin- Starting as low as $434.65

  Oceanview - Starting as low as $474.65

  Balcony & Suite - Starting as low as $622.65

  Cabin Group Block Expired- Contact Travel Advisers International for Cabin Information

  Call your POF Travel Agent:

  Travel Advisers International

  401-427-0806

  
  

  Cruise Itinerary:

  
  

  Thursday, Jan 23, 2025 - Depart Port Canaveral, FL -3:30 PM

  5 hours of education offered

  
  

  Friday, Jan 24, 2025 - Nassau, Bahamas - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  2 hours of education offered

  
  

  Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 - Princess Cays, Bahamas - 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM

  2 hours of education offered

  
  

  Sunday, Jan 26, 2025 - Fun Day at Sea 

  7 hours of education offered

  
  

  Monday, Jan 27, 2025 - Arrive Port Canaveral, FL - 8:00 AM -disembark

   

  20 hours of approved Florida credit* 

  16 hours of ABO/NCLE  credit while having FUN!

  Due to the nature of this event,

  event education registration fees are non refundable

  *2 hours of Florida Laws & Rules and 2 hours of Reduction of Medical Errors will be offered as a take-to-cabin course and exam.  If you turn in your exam by the end of the cruise, you will receive your CE slip for credit before you disembark.  Those who prefer to complete those courses at your leisure will be given the option to take the courses as home study courses on pofce.org free of charge or to attend the two courses at any live POF event in the 2025 free of charge.
  

  MORE INFORMATION

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• Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar

  • When
    January 28, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    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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• ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

  • Start
    February 03, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    March 10, 2025
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online Webinar

  Register

  

  ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series:

  Professional Opticians of Florida is pleased to offer the ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series.  This ABO Basic Certification Webinar Series consists of 6 - (2) hour sessions instructed by, Lisa Griffin , an Opticianry program instructor.  Your instructor will help you prepare for the ABO exam by teaching appropriate materials and answering any questions  in advance of your exam.

  ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

  February 3

  February 10

  February 17

  February 24

  March 3

  March 10

  Webinar Hours: 7 - 9pm

  This review course covers the core areas of knowledge to assist in preparation for the ABO Basic Certification Exam.  Topics reviewed include:

  
  

  I. Ophthalmic Optics

  • Terminology
    
  • Lens characteristics, powers and formulas
    
  • Multifocals
    
  • Lens Materials
    
  • Prism
    

  II. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

  • Structure of the eye and function
    
  • Refractive errors
    

  III. Ophthalmic Products

  • Lenses & Frames
    
  • Applying produce Knowledge
  • Verifying frame and lens parameters

  IV. Instrumentation

  • Use of lens power devices
    
  • Select ophthalmic tool, instruments, and equipment
    
  • Use and maintain ophthalmic tool, instruments, and equipment
    

  V. Dispensing Procedure

  • 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 Reviews

  
  

  Click Here

  
  

  Show details
• NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

  • Start
    February 05, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    March 12, 2025
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online Webinar

  Register

  

  NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series:

  

  Professional Opticians of Florida is pleased to offer the NCLE Exam Review Webinar Series.  This NCLE webinar series consists of 6 - (2) hour sessions instructed by, Lisa Griffin , an Opticianry program instructor.  Your instructor will help you prepare for the NCLE exam by teaching appropriate materials and answering any questions  in advance of your exam.

  
  

  NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

  February 5

  February 12

  February 19

  February 26

  March 5

  March 12

  Webinar Hours: 7 - 9pm
  

  This course will prepare the candidate for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.
  
  Topics will include:

  
  Domain I -
  

  • Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the eye as it pertains to contact lens wear and

  Domain II -

  • Refractive errors regarding ametropias and optical conditions related to contact lenses.

  Domain III -

  • Pre-fitting techniques will be discussed to evaluate the relationship between the corneal readings and the refractive error to identify the possible need for specialty materials and designs.

  Domain V and VI –

  • Will discuss the diagnostic fitting and dispensing of both soft and rigid lenses, including aftercare, wearing schedules and patient hygiene.
  • This Domain will also include the use of instruments, tests and evaluation procedures.

  Domain VII –

  • Will discuss follow-up and problem solving protocol as it relates to normal and abnormal symptoms and

  Domain VIII –

  • Will discuss the legal aspects of contact lenses and tolerance standards utilized in contact lens fitting.

  For more information on the NCLE/ABO Exam Review

  Click Here

  Show details
• 2025 West Coast Better Vision Conference

  • Start
    May 16, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695

  Register

  

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

  You can look forward to multiple educational options every hour so that you can choose the topics and a schedule that fit your needs. 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 16, 2025

  10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

  12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

  Saturday, May 17, 2025

  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 18, 2025
  

  7:30am Registration Desk Opens

  8:00am CE Courses Start 

  
  

  West Coast Better Vision Education Schedule

  
  

  Safety Harbor Resort and Spa boasts a prime location on the shores of Tampa Bay, where tranquility is the rule, not the exception.  Less than 20 minutes from both Tampa and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airports, its setting offers the ultimate in convenience: located along the pristine waterfront in Tampa Bay and within walking distance of downtown Safety Harbor shops and restaurants.

  • Only 8 Miles from the Majestic Sands of Clearwater Beach
    
  • 15 Minutes to St. Petersburg/ Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
    
  • Just 20 Minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  • Hotel rooms only $149/night
  • $10 nightly valet/$6 daily valet: Complementary self parking
  • No Resort fees
  • 72 Hr Cancellation policy

  

  105 N. Bayshore Dr. Safety Harbor, FL 34695

  727-726-1161 Ext 7100 or In-House Reservations

  Group #: POF/West Coast Better Vision Group

  Please book by April 15, 2025

  Book Online

  Use link above to book online– enter your check-in and check-out dates and select the “Code Applied” button from the drop down menu and enter the Group number 39M8Z4.  Then hit the Update/Search Rooms button – your group rate will come up as available.

   The group rate is only available online for the nights of 5/14, 5/15, 5/16 and 5/17 – if you try to book pre or post dates, it will say the resort has no availability. Any pre/post stays will need to be made directly with the Resort so availability can be checked as we have limited availability.

  The group rate is $149, but the online system will show your rate to include the resort fee.  PLEASE IGNORE THIS. The group will NOT pay the Resort Fee and this will be fixed upon check in. When reserving online, you are only holding the room with a credit card and you will not be charged until arrival. 

  *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*

  POF’s goal is to provide you with the friendliest service possible and to treat you as the professional that you are. We accept all major credit cards & personal/company checks in advance & on-site.

  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.

  Show details
• Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program @ 2025 West Coast Better Vision

  • Start
    May 16, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
  • Spaces left
    32

  Register

  Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

  POF's  32 hours of training in Contact Lenses meets and exceeds the Apprenticeship Requirements and Training Program for an Apprentice with a sponsor that is not Board Certified. (FL Admin Rule 64B12-16.003)

  Professional Opticians of Florida (POF)  has formulated their experience and resources to offer a contact lens program designed specifically for Apprentice Opticians in Florida. This new 32-hour course will be offered in two parts: 13 hours of on-line training, plus 19 hours of live and hands-on clinical training offered at this conference.

  PART 1: Available Online in advance of workshop

  The first part of the program is delivered on-line and covers contact Lens theory in carefully designed modules that can be completed at your own pace and in advance of the live hands-on clinical Part 2.

  Part 2: Clinical Workshop in Safety Harbor at POF’s  West Coast Better Vision 2025 Event

  This part of the program is offered as a clinical workshop model, which is delivered over a three-day weekend. You will spend nineteen (19) hours with highly skilled contact lens instructors learning the key concepts of Contact Lens fitting firsthand. 

  
  

  Be sure to register for the Certificate program now and complete the 13 hours of training online in Part 1 before Tuesday, May 13th, 2025  to be eligible to take the clinical workshops listed above.

  Discounted POF Members Registration Total: $425 (including a complimentary one-year POF apprentice membership)

  
  

  For additional information on any of these Apprentice Training programs or to register, visit:  POF.org/apprentice.

  
  
  

   MORE on the Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

  
  

  Safety Harbor Resort and Spa boasts a prime location on the shores of Tampa Bay, where tranquility is the rule, not the exception.  Less than 20 minutes from both Tampa and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airports, its setting offers the ultimate in convenience: located along the pristine waterfront in Tampa Bay and within walking distance of downtown Safety Harbor shops and restaurants.

  
  

  • Only 8 Miles from the Majestic Sands of Clearwater Beach
    
  • 15 Minutes to St. Petersburg/ Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
    
  • Just 20 Minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  • Hotel rooms only $149/night
  • $10 nightly valet/$6 daily valet: Complementary self parking
  • No Resort fees
  • 72 Hr Cancellation policy

  

  105 N. Bayshore Dr. Safety Harbor, FL 34695

  727-726-1161 Ext 7100 or In-House Reservations

  Group #: POF/West Coast Better Vision Group

  Please book by April 15, 2025

  Book Online

  Use link above to book online– enter your check-in and check-out dates and select the “Code Applied” button from the drop down menu and enter the Group number 39M8Z4.  Then hit the Update/Search Rooms button – your group rate will come up as available.

   The group rate is only available online for the nights of 5/14, 5/15, 5/16 and 5/17 – if you try to book pre or post dates, it will say the resort has no availability. Any pre/post stays will need to be made directly with the Resort so availability can be checked as we have limited availability.

  The group rate is $149, but the online system will show your rate to include the resort fee.  PLEASE IGNORE THIS. The group will NOT pay the Resort Fee and this will be fixed upon check in. When reserving online, you are only holding the room with a credit card and you will not be charged until arrival. 

  *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*

  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.

  Show details
• Contact Lens Fitting Course for Board Certification

  • Start
    May 16, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    May 18, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    West Coast Better Vision 2022, Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, 105 North Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  
  

  FLORIDA's 20 HOUR CONTACT LENS

  FITTING COURSE   For Florida Board Certification

  A 20 hour course covering state-of-the-art contact lens technologies and fitting techniques presented by the Professional Opticians of Florida.

  Become a Florida Board Certified Optician

  Earn the required 20 hours of training for your State Board of Opticianry Certification. This course fulfills the educational requirement to enable Florida opticians to fill, fit, adapt, and dispense contact lenses without the supervision of the prescriber. FL Statue 484.002(6)

  Education Schedule: New format with an advance live online webinar

  Monday, May 12:     6:30 - 9:30pm Live Online Webinar*

  Friday,  May 16:       Noon - 5:00pm at West Coast Better Vision, Classroom & Hands-on

  Saturday,  May 17:   9:00 - 5:00pm at West Coast Better Vision, Classroom & Hands-on

  Sunday, May 18:    9:00 - 2:00pm at West Coast Better Vision, Classroom

    

  
  

  
  

  The course will include discussion and review of the following topics:
  

  • Optical anatomy and physiology
    
  • Indications and contra-indications of contact lens fitting
    
  • Identification of abnormal responses secondary to contact lens wear
    
  • Basic rigid and soft lens design
    
  • Fitting and follow-up care
    
  • Identify fluorescein contact lens patterns
    
  • Special lens designs and fittings
    
  • Review of clinical fitting case examples
    
  • 4 hour hands-on workshop with slit-lamps & keratometers
    

  
  

   

  Additional Information

  Safety Harbor Resort and Spa boasts a prime location on the shores of Tampa Bay, where tranquility is the rule, not the exception.  Less than 20 minutes from both Tampa and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airports, its setting offers the ultimate in convenience: located along the pristine waterfront in Tampa Bay and within walking distance of downtown Safety Harbor shops and restaurants.

  • Only 8 Miles from the Majestic Sands of Clearwater Beach
    
  • 15 Minutes to St. Petersburg/ Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
    
  • Just 20 Minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  • Hotel rooms only $149/night
  • $10 nightly valet/$6 daily valet: Complementary self parking
  • No Resort fees
  • 72 Hr Cancellation policy

  

  105 N. Bayshore Dr. Safety Harbor, FL 34695

  727-726-1161 Ext 7100 or In-House Reservations

  Group #: POF/West Coast Better Vision Group

  Please book by April 15, 2025

  Book Online

  Use link above to book online– enter your check-in and check-out dates and select the “Code Applied” button from the drop down menu and enter the Group number 39M8Z4.  Then hit the Update/Search Rooms button – your group rate will come up as available.

   The group rate is only available online for the nights of 5/14, 5/15, 5/16 and 5/17 – if you try to book pre or post dates, it will say the resort has no availability. Any pre/post stays will need to be made directly with the Resort so availability can be checked as we have limited availability.

  The group rate is $149, but the online system will show your rate to include the resort fee.  PLEASE IGNORE THIS. The group will NOT pay the Resort Fee and this will be fixed upon check in. When reserving online, you are only holding the room with a credit card and you will not be charged until arrival. 

  *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*

  POF’s goal is to provide you with the friendliest service possible and to treat you as the professional that you are. We accept all major credit cards & personal/company checks in advance & on-site.

  Due to the nature of this event cancellations up to 2 weeks prior will be issued a credit on their POF account to use for membership or a future education event. Cancellations after 2 weeks education registration fees will not be credited or refunded.

  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.

  Show details
• 2025 Vision Preview

  • Start
    July 25, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    July 27, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    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 2025  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.

  
  

  For Full Details on  Vision Preview Click Here
  

  Schedule at a Glance

  
  

  Friday, July 25th 

  10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

  12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

  Saturday, July 26th 

  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 27th
  

  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
  • Resort Fee $20 per room per night
  • $55 Valet Parking
  • $20 Overnight Self Parking
  • $15 Daily Self Parking

  
  

  19999 W Country Club Dr

  Aventura, FL 33180

  305-932-6200

  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.

  Show details
• Exhibiting - 2025 Vision Preview

  • When
    July 26, 2025
  •  
    11:45 AM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
  • Spaces left
    40

  Register

  
  

  Vision Preview 2025 Tabletop Exhibits

  Tabletop exhibit fee includes one (1) six foot table, one (1) sign and two (2) representative name badges. Additional representative badges are available at $25 each. Additional 6 foot table is available for $100.  Electricity is NOT included. Hotel accommodations are not included.

  
  

  Do you to prefer to register offline?

  Download fillable PDF Form.

  
  

  JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

  
  

  19999 W Country Club Dr

  Aventura, FL 33180

  
  

  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 or click below to book online. 

  Driving Directions to Hotel
  

  
  

  • Resort Fees $20 per room/per night
  • Valet Parking - $55
  • Overnight- Self Parking $20
  • Daily  Parking - $15

  Show details
• 2025 Summer Showcase Conference

  • Start
    September 05, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    September 07, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, 422 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

  Register

  Your friends at Professional Opticians of Florida look forward to you joining us at Summer Showcase 2025  at The Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort! We put together the best educational speakers in Opticianry for this weekend's event.

  
  

  For Full Details on  Summer Showcase Click Here

  
  

  Schedule at a Glance

  
  

  Friday, September 5th 

  10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

  12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

  Saturday, September 6th 

  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, September 7th
  

  7:30am Registration Desk Opens

  8:00am CE Courses Start 

  
  

  For the  Summer Showcase Education Schedule Click Here

  The Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort

  422 N. Atlantic Ave

  Daytona Beach, FL 32118
  

  (386) 271-7979

  Please call The Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort 386-271-7979 and ask for the Professional Opticians of Florida group rate of $164 per night or click below to book online.  Please book before August 25, 2025.  

  
  

  
  

  • Resort Fees Reduced to $10
  • Valet Park $25
  • Self Park $10

  
  

  
  

  Book Hotel

  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.

  Show details