Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

May 16-18, 2025

This 32 hour certificate course satisfies Florida’s apprenticeship training requirement to become a Licensed Optician. The apprentice must complete the entire course within 18 months of enrolling. 

POF's training certificate program for Contact Lenses is designed specifically for the Apprentice Optician. This certificate program meets and exceeds the Florida Admin Rule 64B12-16.003; Apprenticeship Requirements and Training Program for an Apprentice with a sponsor that is not Florida Board Certified for Contact Lenses. 

This specifically designed 32 hour course for Florida Apprentice Opticians is presented in two parts:

PART 1 is delivered to you on-demand online and covers contact lens theory in carefully designed modules by Professional Opticians of Florida that can be completed at your own pace.

*Online Education Must Be Completed by May 12, 2025*

PART 2 of the program is a hands-on clinical workshop model, which is delivered over a three-day weekend. Apprentices will spend 19 hours learning the key concepts of Contact Lens fitting working hands-on with highly skilled contact lens instructors.

Florida Apprentice Opticians FAST Track your Optical Career with the 

Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program!

  • Get your certificate in Contact Lens Education
  • Earn 160 work hours towards your apprentice training program
  • Get quality training to prepare you for your new career
  • Become a Florida Licensed Optician sooner
  • Florida Board of Opticianry Approved Program

Sponsors and Employers:

Busy Practice? Don’t have time to train? Ensure your staff have the right skills and knowledge to serve your clients

Let Professional Opticians of Florida teach your staff and apprentices/students the basics about contact lens fitting and give them a real-time practice environment to gain confidence


Who would benefit from attending?

  • Apprentice Opticians whose sponsor is not Florida Board Certified for contact lenses that are required to complete a Florida board approved 32 hour course
  • Apprentice Opticians who want to learn contact lens fitting skills
  • Student Opticians
  • Opticians, as a refresher
  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistants
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technicians
  • Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Additional Benefits of Attending this Course:

    • Meets Florida requirements for Contact Lens training for Florida Apprentice Opticians FAC: 64B12.16203
    • Receive 160 work hours toward your Apprentice training requirement for successfully completing the 32 hour course
    • An excellent foundation of preparation for National Exams
    • Perform clinical tasks to reinforce theory using hands-on skills




May 16-18, 2025 

Register for the 32 hour Contact Lens Certificate Program and receive $50 off plus a One Year POF Apprentice Membership. You can choose the optional Payment Plan for 4 payments of $106.25


* The four payments of $106.25 must be paid in full prior to attending the clinical workshop.



Call POF  850-201-2622

Regular price $475

PROMOTION: for a limited time $425

Register Now


PART 1 OF THE PROGRAM: ONLINE 

Online and On Demand: Learning at Your Own Pace

You will receive thirteen hours of high quality training in contact lens theory, delivered to you online.

All of the online modules were carefully designed by Professional Opticians of Florida as a comprehensive introduction to contact lens theory for Apprentices.

Each interactive module uses quality graphics  formatted into short single subject segments; this allows you to fit them into your busy schedule and complete the program at your own pace.

There is more good news; you can start Part I at any time, even today.

You will receive thirteen hours of the BEST training in Contact Lens theory that is available, delivered online and broken into manageable modules including:

  • introduction to contact lenses - 6 one hour modules
  • pre-fit and assessment - 1 two hour module
  • diagnostic fit and evaluation – 1 two hour module
  • lens dispensing and patient evaluation - 1 hour module
  • follow up visits with the patient - 1 hour module
  • administrative procedures – 1 hour module

PART 2 OF THE PROGRAM: HANDS ON WORKSHOP 

Clinical & Hands-on Training with CL Fitting 

The clinical workshop, delivered over a three-day weekend provides you with nineteen (19) hours of hands-on contact lens fitting experience. You will work with highly skilled contact lens instructors and learn by doing as they explain the key concepts of contact lens fitting in this clinical setting.

The next offering of Part 2 will be held during POF’s  Summer Showcase

Your three-day weekend will include in-depth training in the following areas:

  • 3 hours – slit lamp and pathology
  • 3 hours – Florida and Federal laws/rules related to contact lenses and dispensing
  • 13 hours – practical hands-on training component with:
    • Slit lamp and illuminations
    • Pathology
    • Keratometer
    • Insertion, removal and solutions
    • Soft lens parameters and ordering; transposing, spherical equivalent & vertex distance

Register today and complete your 13 hours of online education

* Attend  Summer Showcase and complete your training at the 19 hour hands on workshop

  • Friday half day  Noon - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday all day 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday all day 9:00 am - 5:00 pm


Register Now


Accommodations

    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 Drive

    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

    Click the link above to book your room online and follow these instructions:

    1. Select SPECIAL RATES from the drop menu, click  “Group Code” and enter 39M8Z4 and click “DONE”
    2. Select your Check-in and Check-out dates and click UPDATE/SEARCH ROOM BUTTON  (Please note: the group rate is only available online for the nights of 5/14 - 5/17 – if you try to book pre or postdates, it will say the resort has no availability. Any pre/post stays will need to be made directly with the Resort.)

    The group rate is $149 a night.  The online reservations system will automatically add a resort fee, PLEASE IGNORE THIS. The group will NOT pay the Resort Fee and this will be adjusted upon check in.  Guests are not paying any deposit online and are only securing a credit card guarantee.  Upon check-in, you will be charged $149 per night, plus tax.


    *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*


      POF's PROMISE TO YOU

      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.

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