Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

May 29-31, 2026

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

Register Now

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


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  West Coast Better Vision

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

    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.


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