LibGuides: Vision Care Technology: Vision Care Tech Occupation

National Occupational Outlook

Occupational Outlook - Opticians, Dispensing Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Occupational Outlook - Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians Source: United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Associations

Contact Lens Society of America (CLSA) CLSA is dedicated to the education, evolution, and promotion of contact lens technology.
National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) NAO offers education and training from career preparation (internationally known as the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program), certification and licensing exam preparation and continuing education for beginning through advanced level opticians.
Opticians Association of America (OAA) OAA fosters, supports and sponsors programs of competency certification, licensing and continuing education for the professional development of all opticians.
New York State Society of Opticians (NYSSO) NYSSO is a professional association formed to advance and improve the services of the New York State Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser to the public; establish standards and ethics of the profession; enhance of the scope of practice for all opticians; and provide quality continuing education.
The Vision Council The Vision Council represents the manufacturers and suppliers of vision care products.

Certification Resources

Review your state's licensure requirments to determine what forms of certification are needed for your particular profession.

American Board of Opticianry/National Contact Lens Examiners Written Examinations: The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) are national not-for-profit organizations for the voluntary certification of ophthalmic dispensers. ABO administers the written certification examination for those ophthalmic dispensers who dispense and work with spectacles. NCLE administers the written certification examination for ophthalmic dispensers who fit and work with contact lenses.
Capitol Hill Management Service, Inc. - New York State Ophthalmic Dispensing Examinations Information Practical Examinations: The New York State Education Department contracts with Capitol Hill Managment Service, Inc. (CHMS), a professional test administration service, to administer the Ophthalmic Dispensing Practical Licensure Examination and the Contact Lens Practical Certification Examination.
CLSA - University CLSA University offers online courses to students who are training for a career in contact lens fitting. It also offers online continuing education courses to professionals in the contact lens fitting field. CLSA University is a division of the Contact Lens Society of America. The courses can be accessed by CLSA members or non-members.
National Academy of Opticianry - Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP) The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program 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.

SUNY Erie Career Services

SUNY Erie Career Resource Centers
The Career Resource Centers, located at each of the campuses, assist students and prospective students in exploring majors and career options. The Career Resource Centers also assists students with resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills and searching for employment opportunities.

City Campus
Student Support Center, Room O102A
45 Oak Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
P: (716) 851-1183

North Campus
Room 161G
6205 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
P: (716) 851-1484

South Campus
Room 5207
4041 Southwestern Blvd.
Orchard Park, NY 14127
P: (716) 851-1683

New York State Licensure & Certification

NYSED.gov Office of the Professions - Ophthalmic Dispensing
The Office of the Professions provides access to licensure and registration resources for New York State. The site also provides links to information that assists with career development and continuing education.