What she was referring to is all of the different organizations and designations that we have in the optical industry. For folks that are new to the industry or for those not in the loop, these initials can be somewhat disconcerting, or at the very least confusing.

In the following article I hope to shed some light on this optical alphabet soup. For you old timers out there that read this column every month, I beg your forgiveness. This may be rudimentary, but you may want to pass it along to some young opticians that you know.

ABO/NCLE are national not-for-profit organizations for the voluntary certification of ophthalmic dispensers. ABO, the American Board of Opticianry, certifies opticians, those who dispense and work with spectacles. NCLE, the National Contact Lens Examiners, certifies those ophthalmic dispensers who fit and work with contact lenses.

Both organizations have the same purpose: to identify qualified ophthalmic dispensers for the public and for the ophthalmic community by certifying those who pass the professionally developed examinations. They also encourage growth of optical skills with continuing education and approve continuing education programs for recertification.

Both certification boards were reorganized under their present charter in 1979, and each is governed by an independent board of directors. Certified opticians and contact lens technicians are appointed as directors for two year terms; they volunteer their time to serve on the boards, establishing policies and working to maintain the professional integrity of the two certification boards. The ABO/NCLE staff is also available to answer questions and help resolve any problems applicants might have with their certification. Both the directors and staff are involved in reviewing and approving continuing education for recertification.

ABO and NCLE are also accredited by NCCA, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. In effect NCCA is a certifying agency for certifying agencies; NCCA accreditation requires no examinations to obtain, but a strict set of criteria must be met and maintained to get and keep the credential.

Together, ABO and NCLE certify roughly 38,000 ophthalmic dispensers; well over half of the estimated number of dispensers in the United States. Approximately 30,000 opticians are certified by ABO; NCLE numbers total about 8,000 certified contact lens dispensers.

NAO: The National Academy of Opticianry (“The Academy”) is an international organization whose purpose is the education and training of ALL opticians. Founded in 1963, the Academy offers opticianry education and training in a variety of formats.

It covers all aspects of 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.

CLSA: The Contact Lens Society of America is dedicated to the education, evolution, and promotion of contact lens technology. The objective of the CLSA is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among all persons interested in contact lens fitting through the following means.

OAA: The Opticians Association of America’s mission is to promote and expand opticianry by being the single unified voice of America’s opticians. In support of this mission, the OAA is committed to promoting professional stature through leadership, education, legislative representation, and communication.

NFOS: The National Federation of Opticianry Schools is the national organization dedicated to the promotion of formal opticianry education offered by accredited educational institutions. Formal education is fundamental to the credibility of the optician as a vision care professional.

Here is the contact information for the organizations:

ABO/NCLE:
www.abo-ncle.org 
(703) 719-5800

NAO:
www.nao.org 
(800) 229-4828

CLSA:
www.clsa.info 
(800) 296-9776

OAA:
www.oaa.org 
(800) 433-8997

NFOS:
www.nfos.org 
(870) 492-6623

Remember these are just a few of the organizations that every optician should know. From the OAA website you should be able to link to your state optician organization. If you don’t see your link there, please contact the OAA and have them add it to the list.