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Empowering opticians for career success

The Optician Development Program (ODP) is a career training program for Opticians. An innovative program based on the latest academic research, you can trust that the ODP will help you get ABO and NCLE certified, licensed (as applicable), and prepared for a successful career.

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START ANY TIME

Open Enrollment

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Delivery

Online asynchronous self-paced program

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PROGRAM FEE

$900
Flexible payment plans and corporate pricing available

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FOR YOUR TEAM

Improve business performance with OTI corporate solutions

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Pass Your Certification Exams – Guaranteed!*

Complete our curriculum and we'll ensure you'll pass your certification exams with flying colors. ODP equips you with all the knowledge and skills you need for success. Schedule a demo to learn more today.

ODP

What is the Optician Development Program?

A comprehensive two-year certificate program designed to prepare you for a lifelong career in opticianry. Approved for apprenticeship training in required states, ODP also helps prepare you for your ABO & NCLE certifying exams.

This career training curriculum provides opticians with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary for long-term success.

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Benefits


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Acquire knowledge and skills necessary to provide top-tier patient care

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Prepare for ABO and NCLE exams with confidence with the Exam Pass Guarantee

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Approved by certain licensed states

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Reduce the time and cost of on-the-job training

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Boost employee engagement, which contributes to lower staff turnover

Optician Career Training

In today's dynamic landscape, the demand for great opticians has created a strong job market. This surge is attributable to our evolving digital habits and the unique visual needs of an aging population. However, the optical industry is grappling with a shortage of well-trained professionals to address this growing need.

The Optician Development Program is designed to bridge this gap. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in opticianry, preparing participants for the essential American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) certification exams. These certifications are pivotal, especially in regions where licensure is a prerequisite to practice.

What sets our program apart? It's our commitment to an ideal learning experience for the student. Our approach is interactive, ensuring content is both engaging and informative. The program is designed to foster a deeper understanding, rather than just rote learning. This creates a conducive environment where learners can truly immerse themselves, making their educational journey both meaningful and enjoyable.

Graduates will be well-prepared to obtain ABO and NCLE certification, earn a well-compensated job as an optician, and serve patients who truly need their help.

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Curriculum Outline


The Optician Development Program includes three sections. The first section, “Boot Camp”, helps you hit the ground running by providing a motivating overview of key topics. The second section, the “Spectacle Course”, prepares students for the ABO exam and provides an engaging and thorough education on anatomy, optical concepts, frames and other spectacle concepts. The final section on contact lenses prepares students for the NCLE exam by reviewing similar optical concepts and introducing new topics related to contact lenses. To graduate from the Optician Development Program, students must complete all three sections of the program.

  • Introduction to Optical and Customer Service
  • Refractive Errors
  • Understanding a Prescription
  • Basics of Frames
  • Basics of Lenses
  • Basics of Lens Treatments
  • Dispensing and Standards

  • Introduction to Optical
  • Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
  • Optical Concepts and Principles
  • Lens and Frame Materials and Designs
  • Instrumentation and Regulations
  • Eyewear Dispensing and Handling
  • Customer Service and Patient Care

  • Introduction to Contact Lenses
  • Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
  • Contact Lens Optical Concepts and Principles
  • Instrumentation, Modification, and Verification
  • Dispensing and Follow-Up Procedures
  • Laws and Regulations

ODP is Fun!


Many ODP students failed to get certified or licensed with other programs, because they said they were “bored” by them. We listened and built the ODP with the student in mind. Yes the program requires effort and commitment, but it’s modern, engaging, interactive, and interesting. This helps ensure students are motivated to complete the program and achieve their goals!

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Testimonial

Advancing Opticianry Careers

Discover the opportunities the Optician Development Program (ODP) provides through Salima's inspiring journey. Currently working at a small optical shop, Salima aims to grow her career.

Experience the friendly and dedicated support from OTI’s expert staff, always ready to assist you. With accessible online content, knowledge-testing quizzes, and a wealth of study resources, ODP is the ideal choice for anyone seeking to advance their career in opticianry.

Training Manager Share ODP’s Impact on Team

Explore how the Optical Development Program (ODP) has enhanced training for optical practices. This video features the training manager at an independent optical group, who shares her experience with ODP’s comprehensive training program and the positive impact it has had on her employees.

Learn how the program’s hands-on training, quizzes, 1:1 support, and study aid resources have helped her team master essential optical concepts and prepare for the ABO and NCLE exams. Discover why ODP is the top choice for practice owners seeking to enhance their staff’s skills and overall practice performance.

FAQ's


The program fee for the Optician Development Program is $900. This is a competitive rate in line with other leading optician training programs.

For corporate pricing, please reach out to our team to request a quote.

Yes! We offer a monthly payment plan for opticians.

Instead of $900 upfront, the payment plan includes an upfront fee of $300, then 14 monthly payments of $50. The total cost is $1,000 vs. $900 paid upfront.

Each student is required to have a Sponsor, an experienced eye care professional who mentors them and guides them through real-world optician tasks. Typically, students have a licensed or certified supervisor, manager or OD who is already helping out in this way and that person is excited to serve at their Sponsor.

Specific sponsorship requirements may vary based on state requirements. Please reach out to our team for more information.

ODP is fully online providing convenient access from any device, and allowing you to work at your own pace.

Printed material is available upon request.

The Optician Development Program can be used in any state as a training and study aid.

In Alaska, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Virginia it is one of the approved education programs that are required during an apprenticeship.

In Arizona, Florida and Tennessee, completion of the program counts for a year of apprenticeship hours so an apprentice can reduce their apprenticeship by one year.

In Georgia, completion of the program enables application for licensure via the education pathway.

To register for the program, each student must have earned a high school diploma, GED, or a foreign equivalent; have active employment or pursuing a career in the optical field; and have attained a Sponsor who meets the Sponsor qualification requirements (can vary by state if pursuing licensure).

The Optician Development Program is great for opticians of all experience levels! The program includes three courses: Boot Camp, Spectacle, Contact Lens. The Boot Camp will bring a beginner optician up to speed quickly or act as a refresher for experienced opticians to prepare them for a more intensive coursework in the Spectacle course. It is recommended that the program be taken by individuals working in the optical field so the technical knowledge learned can be applied to the practical training in the workplace.

Learners are responsible for ensuring they have access to a computer or device with reliable internet connectivity to fully engage in our Optician Development Program. It is the learner's responsibility to provide their own hardware and software necessary for accessing the program. This includes a functioning computer or device with a working audio component, an internet connection, and any required software applications or plugins. We recommend keeping your device up to date, installing necessary software updates, and maintaining a stable internet connection to optimize your learning experience. Should you encounter technical difficulties, our technical support team is available to provide guidance and assistance. By enrolling in our program, learners acknowledge and accept the responsibility of meeting technology requirements stated above.

Students who wish to withdraw from the program or an individual course may request a refund within 14 days of enrollment.

Students who complete the ODP curriculum and pass all module practice and final exams are eligible for the Exam Pass Guarantee. Students who do not pass the ABO or NCLE exam on their first attempt will receive additional coaching and study material. Students who complete the required material and do not pass the ABO or NCLE exam on their second attempt are eligible for a refund for the total cost of the course.

To be eligible for the exam pass guarantee, students must first complete all course modules and pass the ODP practice and final exams for all modules by scoring at or above the 80% threshold. Students must be meeting with their Sponsor at least once every two weeks to ensure consistent progress and a firm understanding of new concepts. After a failed first attempt, students will then be required to complete a Test Improvement Plan in order to remain eligible for the guarantee. Following a second failed attempt, students can reach out to OTI with proof of exam performance and request a refund for the course. The guarantee excludes enterprise clients.

Business impact of education

5x+ ROI through the Optician Development Program

A great optician training program benefits companies by:

  • Increasing performance (high performers drive 46% higher sales per hour)
  • Reducing training time spent by other team members
  • Improving employee engagement, turnover and reducing re-makes
  • Ensure top quality patient care and customer experience
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Get started easily


Whether you’re an optician who wants to enroll in a CE or ABO-NCLE prep course or an
employer seeking to train your team, Optical Training Institute can help you.

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Thank you for your interest in the program.

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Learn about the syllabus, key takeaways, learning experience and more.

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Phone: 949-551-5455

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