Opticianry Training

The National Academy of Opticianry “The Academy” is an international organization dedicated solely to education and training for ALL opticians.

The Optical Training Academy (OTA) was established in an effort to be of service to the opticianry community particularly apprentice/trainees as they prepared for the ABO/NCLE examination that are part of the pre-requisites to be a licensed optician.

The Academy also provides a mock practical exam class which simulates the  practical examination which is an additional prerequisite to become licensed.

The Academy does not guarantee by implication - real or imagined - a prospective students’ success in passing the ABO/NCLE examinations. The academys purpose is to assist a motivated apprentice/trainee be competitive on the license examination requirements.

In that regard the Academy believes nothing will work, if you don’t! Having said that, the Academy does believe in walking the last mile with a student if they are willing to take the journey.

To correct inaccurate information that seems to persist, it is important to make clear a program like this exists solely to attempt to prepare obviously non-certified personnel become certified.

There is no official requirement by the ABO/NCLE organization that any course such as this be ABO/NCLE approved. This point of clarification is necessary as misinformation and outright disinformation throughout the optical community indicating otherwise.

The Academy course curriculum consists of an ABO and separate NCLE exam preparation review class and a separate simulated practical exam review which is a Lensometry workshop. These classes are available to anyone who wishes to participate.

Go to NAO.org or call NAO 800-229-4828




Ophthalmic Career Progression Program
Home Study Apprentice/

The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program consists of four study volumes and end of volume tests followed by a cumulative final examination. Also included in the updated program is an optional fifth book that covers the material for the NCLE licensing exam.

The chapters are a comprehensive study of the background material and knowledge necessary for an individual to perform competently as an ophthalmic dispenser and to help prepare the ophthalmic dispenser for the National Opticianry Competency Examination administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and examinations for state licensure.

This home study program allows the participant the flexibility to progress at his/her own rate and eliminates the time and costs associated with traditional learning institutions. Go To NAO website for more information.

(Less than $1,000 to be in this program during this writing.)(Less than $1,000 to be in this program during this writing.) In 23 states Opticians have to be licensed  and certified; in all states certification increase your job opportunities.

The OCPP is already excepted in 8 states and certification in all states increase your job opportunities. If you can't afford to pay traditional technical school and college cost you owe it to yourself to take this opportunity while it still exist.

IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to see what the requirements are in your state.

The need for Opticians are increasing every year, in more states than others. Learn a trade in a useful professional you can be proud of. Change your future outlook. Consider Optianry a career choice that will keep you employed where ever you live in and out of the US.

Contact Thomas Blair Jr with  any questions about this program.