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.  

Live Education

  • 2025 Vision Preview
    July 25, 2025 10:00 AM
    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
  • 2025 Summer Showcase Conference
    September 05, 2025 10:00 AM
    Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort, 422 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Upcoming Events

  • ABO & NCLE Exam Reviews (Online)

    • January 01, 2025
    • December 31, 2025
    • 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

  • 2025 Vision Preview

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


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

    Resort Fee Includes:

    • Daily Access to the Spa, Fitness Center, and Wellness Circuit including access to the Aromatherapy/Chromatherapy Steam Room and Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite, reservations required.
    • Daily Access to Cascata Pool (Adults Only)
    • Admission to Tidal Cove Water Park (based on legal occupancy of room type)
    • Daily Access to driving range with unlimited use of range golf balls. Reservations are required.
    • Use of resort bikes; unlimited time limit, reservations required
    • Children 3 years of age and under eat complimentary at CORSAIR (children’s menu)
    • Enhanced high-speed internet access in the guestroom

    Book Hotel

    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

  • ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep (Live)

    • July 26, 2025
    • 8:30 AM
    • July 27, 2025
    • 3:30 PM
    • JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
    Register

     

    LIVE ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep Courses:

    July 26 & 27, 2025

    POF, in conjunction with the UOA, 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. The  instructor will answer your questions and help you prepare by studying appropriate materials in advance of your exam. 


    ABO Basic Certification Exam Prep Course

    Saturday, July 26, 2025

    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

    Sunday, July 27, 2025

    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


    Sponsored by:


    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry

    Resort & Spa

    • Group Rate-$195/night
    • $20 Overnight Self Parking
    • $15 Daily Self Parking
    • Resort Fee $20 per room per night

    Resort Fee Includes:

    • Daily Access to the Spa, Fitness Center, and Wellness Circuit including access to the Aromatherapy/Chromatherapy Steam Room and Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite, reservations required.
    • Daily Access to Cascata Pool (Adults Only)
    • Admission to Tidal Cove Water Park (based on legal occupancy of room type)
    • Daily Access to driving range with unlimited use of range golf balls. Reservations are required.
    • Use of resort bikes; unlimited time limit, reservations required
    • Children 3 years of age and under eat complimentary at CORSAIR (children’s menu)
    • Enhanced high-speed internet access in the guestroom

    Book Hotel

    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.

    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.




    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

  • 2025 Summer Showcase Conference

    • September 05, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • September 07, 2025
    • 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 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

  • ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    • November 03, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • December 08, 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

    November 3

    November 10

    November 17

    November 24

    December 1

    December 8

    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

    • November 05, 2025
    • 7:00 PM
    • December 10, 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

    November 5

    November 12

    November 19

    November 26

    December 3

    December 9

    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

  • Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar

    • November 25, 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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