Upcoming Educational Events

Upcoming events

  • ABO & NCLE Exam Reviews (Online)

    • January 01, 2024
    • December 31, 2024
    • 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.


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  • CE's on the Seas 2025

    • January 23, 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • January 27, 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 9241 Charles M Rowland Dr, Port Canaveral, FL 32920
    • 4
    Register

    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.

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  • Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar

    • January 28, 2025
    • 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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  • ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    • February 03, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • March 10, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • 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


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  • NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    • February 05, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • March 12, 2025
    • 9:00 PM
    • 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

    Show details

  • 2025 West Coast Better Vision Conference

    • May 16, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • May 18, 2025
    • 2:00 PM
    • Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
    Registration is closed

    We are looking forward to seeing you and your colleagues at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront for West Coast Better Vision 2024.

    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 



      • 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

      *Do Not Book Online*

      *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

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

      • May 16, 2025
      • 12:00 PM
      • May 18, 2025
      • 4:00 PM
      • Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
      • 36
      Registration is closed

      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 2020 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

      • 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

      *Do Not Book Online*

      *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

      • May 16, 2025
      • 12:00 PM
      • May 18, 2025
      • 2:00 PM
      • West Coast Better Vision 2022, Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, 105 North Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
      • 20
      Registration is closed


      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

      LOCATION: 

      • 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

      *Do Not Book Online*

      *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.
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    • Exhibit - 2025 West Coast Better Vision

      • May 17, 2025
      • 11:45 AM - 7:00 PM
      • Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Dr, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
      Registration is closed


      West Coast Better Vision Tabletop Exhibits

      • Tabletop exhibit fee of $495 includes:
      • One (1) six-foot draped table
      • One (1) sign
      • and two (2) representative name badges.
      • Additional representative badges are available at $25 each.
      • Electricity is NOT included.
      • One additional table is available for $100, if you bring or if we provide it.
      • Hotel accommodations are not included.


      West Coast Better Vision will be held at:

      • 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

      *Do Not Book Online*

      *Book Early as the Hotel Sells Out*


      Register Today!


      Prefer to not register online?

      Click here to download the 2025 POF Exhibitor Agreement

      Show details

    • Exhibiting - 2025 Summer Showcase

      • September 06, 2025
      • 11:45 AM - 6:30 PM
      • Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, 422 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
      • 32
      Registration is closed


      Summer Showcase 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. Electricity is NOT included. One (1) additional table is available for $100 if you bring it or if we provide it. Hotel accommodations are not included.


      Do you to prefer to register offline?

      Click here to download the 2025 POF Exhibitor Agreement. 

      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.  

      Driving Directions to Hotel



      • Reduced daily resort fee of $10
      • Self-Parking $10
      • Valet Parking $25



      Book Hotel

      Show details

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