Become a Certified Optician
Train for a hands-on career helping patients choose, fit, and adjust eyewear.
What Is Optician Certification Training?
Optician Certification Training prepares students for roles assisting patients with glasses and contact lenses, interpreting prescriptions, and adjusting frames for proper fit.
The program includes optical theory, lens technology, anatomy of the eye, and customer service skills.
What You'll Learn in Optician Certification Training Training
Core Skills
- Optical measurements
- Lens and frame selection
- Prescription interpretation
- Lens edging
- Safety standards
- Customer assistance
Safety & Compliance
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Privacy and HIPAA awareness
- Professional ethics
- Basic emergency response
Tools & Technology
- ABO (American Board of Opticianry) Certification
- NCLE Certification
Admissions Requirements for Optician Certification Training Training
Most Optician Certification Training programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Optician Certification Training
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
ABO (American Board of Opticianry) Certification
ABO
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
NCLE Certification
NCLE
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Optician Certification Training Salary & Job Outlook
Growing demand driven by an aging population requiring vision correction, ongoing need for prescription eyewear, and workforce replacement needs within optical retail and healthcare settings
Career Outlook for Optician Certification Training
Work Settings
Optical shops, clinics, eyewear retailers, ophthalmology offices
Advancement Path
Advance to related certifications; specialize in a care setting; progress to supervisory roles with experience and additional training.
What Is the Difference Between Optician Certification Training and Medical Laboratory?
TL;DR: Optician Certification Training prepares students for patient-facing vision care roles, while Medical Laboratory programs focus on clinical diagnostics and specimen analysis behind the scenes.
Optician Certification Training programs prepare students to work directly with patients by interpreting prescriptions, fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses, adjusting eyewear, and educating patients on proper use and care. These roles combine healthcare knowledge with customer service and retail-oriented environments. Medical Laboratory programs, by contrast, focus on analyzing blood, tissue, and other specimens using laboratory equipment to support diagnosis and treatment, typically with little to no patient interaction. Choose Optician Certification Training if you want a patient-facing role in vision care; choose Medical Laboratory if you prefer hands-on diagnostic testing in a clinical lab setting.
Patient-facing vision care and eyewear dispensing
Clinical diagnostic testing and specimen analysis
Certificate programs aligned to optician certification requirements
Certificate to associate-level programs focused on laboratory science
Interpreting prescriptions, fitting eyewear, patient education, adjustments
Specimen analysis, laboratory procedures, quality control
Optician certification or licensure depending on state
Medical laboratory or clinical laboratory technician credentials
Optical shops, vision clinics, retail healthcare environments
Hospitals, diagnostic labs, clinical laboratory settings
Frequent, direct patient interaction focused on vision care
Minimal patient interaction; primarily works with specimens
Lens measurement tools, dispensing software, vision care equipment
Laboratory analyzers, microscopes, lab information systems
Licensed optician, senior optician, optical management roles
Medical laboratory technician or advanced lab specialty roles
Students seeking a patient-facing role in vision and eye care
Students who prefer hands-on diagnostic and laboratory-based work
Optician Certification Training
Choose Optician if you want a patient-facing role in vision care.
Medical Laboratory
Choose Medical Laboratory if you prefer diagnostic testing in a clinical lab.
Benefits of Optician Certification Training Training
Optician Certification Training Student Reviews
"The program helped me earn my ABO certification and get hired quickly."
"I loved learning how to edge and prepare lenses."
"This career lets me help people see better every day."
Optician Certification Training FAQs
Related Programs
Explore similar career paths that match your interests
Nursing - Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Ready to Start Your Optician Career?
Find Optician programs that fit your goals.