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.  The Saturday Apprentice Special is available during all of POF's state-wide conferences for one low price. 


Summer Showcase - Daytona Beach, Florida - August 7, 2021

West Coast Better Vision - Safety Harbor, Florida - September 11, 2021

Vision Preview - Fort Lauderdale, Florida - December 4, 2021






Upcoming events

    • January 01, 2023
    • December 31, 2023
    • 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 28, 2023
    • 7:00 PM
    • April 11, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar

    *Online Registration has Closed*

    Please contact the office for late registrations

    850-201-2622

    admin@pof.org

    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, Thomas Neff, an HCC 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 28

    March 7

    March 21

    March 28

    April 4

    April 11

    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

    • March 02, 2023
    • 7:00 PM
    • April 13, 2023
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar

    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, Thomas Neff, an HCC 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

    March 2

    March 9

    March 23

    March 30

    April 6

    April 13

    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


    • April 18, 2023
    • 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 05, 2023
    • 10:00 AM
    • May 07, 2023
    • 2:00 PM
    • Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, 105 North Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
    Register

    We are looking forward to seeing you and your colleagues at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa for West Coast Better Vision 2023.

    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 Click Here 


    Schedule at a Glance


    Friday, May 5, 2023

    10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

    12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

    Saturday, May 6, 2023 

    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 Rock with the Doc and The Pupils 

    Sunday, May 7, 2023

    7:30am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00am CE Courses Start 


      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 2, 2023

      *Do Not Book Online*

      *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*


      For the West Coast Better Vision Education Schedule Click Here 


      Driving Directions to Safety Harbor



      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.

      • August 22, 2023
      • 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


      • September 08, 2023
      • 10:00 AM
      • September 10, 2023
      • 2:00 PM
      • 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 2023  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 8th 

      10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

      12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

      Saturday, September 9th 

      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 10th

      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 $159 per night or click below to book online.  Please book before August 17, 2023.  



      • No Resort Fees
      • Valet Park $25
      • Self Park $15



      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.

      • September 08, 2023
      • 12:00 PM
      • September 10, 2023
      • 4:00 PM
      • Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, 422 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
      • 14
      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  Summer Showcase 2023 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 live clinicals  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

      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 $159 per night or click below to book online.  Please book before August 17, 2023.  




      • No Resort Fees
      • Valet Park $25
      • Self Park $15



      Book Now

      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.

      • September 09, 2023
      • 8:30 AM
      • September 10, 2023
      • 3:30 PM
      • Daytona Grande Oceanfront Hotel, 422 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
      Register

       

      LIVE ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep Courses:

      September 9 & 10, 2023

      POF, in conjunction with the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS), is pleased to offer ABO and NCLE live Basic Certification Exam Prep Courses. These live ABO/NCLE exam preps are 6 hours each and are conducted by full time Opticianry program instructors who will review the exam materials and assist you in your exam preparations. Instructors will answer your questions and help you prepare by studying appropriate materials in advance of your exam. 


      ABO Basic Certification Exam Prep Course

      September 9, 2023

      8:15 am Attendee check-in

      8:30 -12:00 pm Welcome & Instruction: Exam Review

      12:00 -1:00 pm Lunch on your own

      1:00 -3:25 pm Instruction: Exam Review

      3:25 -3:30 pm Evaluations, Wrap up & Thank you


      NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep Course

      September 10, 2023

      8:15 am Attendee check-in

      8:30 -12:00 pm Welcome & Instruction: Exam Review

      12:00 -1:00 pm Lunch on your own

      1:00 -3:25 pm Instruction: Exam Review

      3:25 -3:30 pm Evaluations, Wrap up & Thank you


      IMPORTANT NOTICE: POF and all other exam review courses can only be a part of a comprehensive study program. Successful exam candidates have used these POF exam review courses to answer questions and solidify knowledge gained by studying the recommended materials in advance of the reviews and exams. Both ABO & NCLE exams cover vast areas of knowledge from years of experience. We strongly recommend that you use this review course in conjunction with adequate individual study of quality review materials.  POF’s recommended study guides for both the ABO and NCLE exams are available on the POF MarketPlace of this website.


      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 $159 per night, or click below to book online.  Please book before August 17, 2023.  




      • No Resort Fees
      • Valet Parking $25
      • Self Parking $15


      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.

      • March 01, 2024
      • 10:00 AM (CST)
      • March 03, 2024
      • 2:00 PM (CST)
      • The Island Ft Walton Destin by Hotel RL, 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: (850) 337-9194
      Register


      Spring Spectacle will be hosted at the beautiful Island Ft Walton Destin by Hotel RL.  

      Here are just some of the benefits for you at this location.

      ·         Low Hotel Room Rates at the The Island, Ft Walton/ Destin by Hotel RL.  Starting as low as $125 per night, Resort fee waived, free parking and Wi-Fi. Must book room by February 1, 2024

      BOOK HOTEL

      Guests may also book over the phone by calling 850-337-9194.

      Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm CDT to make their reservations.


      ·         Spring Spectacle  offers you the best in Optical Education available anywhere.

      ·         Earn all 20 CE hours for the renewal of your Florida license

      ·         World class education presented by the Nation's Leading Instructors 

      ·         Full Schedule of Education with eight hours of CE on Friday & Saturday

      ·         Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation & Hands-on Frame Fitting Workshop available

      ·         Visit International Optical Vendors & Suppliers at Spring Spectacle

      ·         Attend and support your profession 

      Full Details on Spring Spectacle 2024

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