Apprenticeship EDucation Options

Educational Options Available to Florida Apprentice Opticians

Each of the following methods can be applied towards the 6,240 hours of training to complete the apprenticeship program.

a) Hours earned while under the supervision of the sponsor(s) that is on the premises and all work produced is personally inspected and approved by a sponsor.

b) Time spent enrolled in opticianry courses at an accredited opticianry program may be substituted for apprenticeship time. Each credit hour earned shall count as 86.67 hours of apprenticeship time. One 3 credit class equals 260 hours of apprenticeship training. Online college programs are available.

c) Each approved CE hour counts as one hour of apprenticeship training.  Proof of attendance must be submitted to the Board.

d) The Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program satisfies Florida’s apprenticeship training requirement to become a Licensed Optician. Completion of the Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program is required for an apprentice whose sponsor is not Florida Board Certified for Contact Lenses.  Upon completion, apprentices will earn 160 work hours towards their apprenticeship training program.


MORE INFORMTION ON APPRENTICE PROGRAMS/REQUIREMENTS HERE:

Florida Apprentice Contact Lens Certificate Program

Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar


POF offers apprentices all the required courses needed for licensure.  

Live Education

Upcoming Events

  • ABO & NCLE Exam Reviews (Online)

    • January 01, 2026
    • December 31, 2026
    • Online
    Register

    Professional Opticians of Florida have partnered with WINK Productions to offer a new on-line program developed to review the fundamentals needed to help you prepare for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Certification Examinations required for licensure in Florida.

    Each virtual interactive lesson consists of slides, audio, speaker notes and a quiz, allowing you to review and complete the training independently. Online testing can make sure the most important information is understood. And, interactive education is more fun and more likely to be retained.

    Your email confirmation will include information on accessing the review courses.


    POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.


    Show details

  • 2026 Vision Preview

    • July 17, 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • July 19, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
    Register

    Your friends at Professional Opticians of Florida look forward to you joining us at Vision Preview 2026  at a NEW Location & Time!

    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa! We put together the best educational speakers in Opticianry for this weekend's event.


    Schedule at a Glance


    Friday, July 17th 

    10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

    12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

    Saturday, July 18th 

    7:30 am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00 am CE Courses Start 

    11:45 am Lunch & Trade Show

    Once education ends on Saturday, please join us for Happy Hour in the Trade Show followed by Opticians After Dark  

    Sunday, July 19th

    7:30am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00am CE Courses Start 

    For the Vision Preview Education Schedule Click Here

    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry

    Resort & Spa

    • Group Rate-$195/night
    • $20 Overnight Self Parking
    • $15 Daily Self Parking
    • Resort Fee $20 per room per night

    Resort Fee Includes:

    • Daily Access to the Spa, Fitness Center, and Wellness Circuit including access to the Aromatherapy/Chromatherapy Steam Room and Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite, reservations required.
    • Daily Access to Cascata Pool (Adults Only)
    • Admission to Tidal Cove Water Park (based on legal occupancy of room type)
    • Daily Access to driving range with unlimited use of range golf balls. Reservations are required.
    • Use of resort bikes; unlimited time limit, reservations required
    • Children 3 years of age and under eat complimentary at CORSAIR (children’s menu)
    • Enhanced high-speed internet access in the guestroom

    Book Hotel

    19999 W Country Club Dr

    Aventura, FL 33180

    305-932-6200

    *Block rate ends June 24, 2026*

    Please call The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa In House Reservations at 786-279-6770 or toll free at 855-999-0493 and advise them you are with the POF - 2025 Vision Preview and ask for the POF group rate of $195 per night.

     

    POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.

    Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, do you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.

    Show details

  • ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep (Live)

    • July 18, 2026
    • July 19, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
    Register

     

    Sponsored by:


    LIVE ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep Courses:

    July 18 & 19, 2026

    POF, in conjunction with the UOA, POF is pleased to offer ABO and NCLE live Basic Certification Exam Prep Courses. These live ABO/NCLE exam preps are 6 hours each and are conducted by full time Opticianry program instructors who will review the exam materials and assist you in your exam preparations. The  instructor will answer your questions and help you prepare by studying appropriate materials in advance of your exam. 


    ABO Basic Certification Exam Prep Course

    Saturday, July 18, 2026

    8:15 am Attendee check-in

    8:30 -12:00 pm Welcome & Instruction: Exam Review

    12:00 -1:00 pm Lunch on your own

    1:00 -3:25 pm Instruction: Exam Review

    3:25 -3:30 pm Evaluations, Wrap up & Thank you


    NCLE Basic Certification Exam Prep Course

    Sunday, July 19, 2026

    8:15 am Attendee check-in

    8:30 -12:00 pm Welcome & Instruction: Exam Review

    12:00 -1:00 pm Lunch on your own

    1:00 -3:25 pm Instruction: Exam Review

    3:25 -3:30 pm Evaluations, Wrap up & Thank you


    JW Marriott Miami Turnberry

    Resort & Spa

    • Group Rate-$195/night
    • $20 Overnight Self Parking
    • $15 Daily Self Parking
    • Resort Fee $20 per room per night

    Resort Fee Includes:

    • Daily Access to the Spa, Fitness Center, and Wellness Circuit including access to the Aromatherapy/Chromatherapy Steam Room and Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite, reservations required.
    • Daily Access to Cascata Pool (Adults Only)
    • Admission to Tidal Cove Water Park (based on legal occupancy of room type)
    • Daily Access to driving range with unlimited use of range golf balls. Reservations are required.
    • Use of resort bikes; unlimited time limit, reservations required
    • Children 3 years of age and under eat complimentary at CORSAIR (children’s menu)
    • Enhanced high-speed internet access in the guestroom

    19999 W Country Club Dr

    Aventura, FL 33180

    305-932-6200

    *Block rate ends June 24, 2026*

    Please call The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa In House Reservations at 786-279-6770 or toll free at 855-999-0493 and advise them you are with the POF - 2025 Vision Preview and ask for the POF group rate of $195 per night.

     

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: POF and all other exam review courses can only be a part of a comprehensive study program. Successful exam candidates have used these POF exam review courses to answer questions and solidify knowledge gained by studying the recommended materials in advance of the reviews and exams. Both ABO & NCLE exams cover vast areas of knowledge from years of experience. We strongly recommend that you use this review course in conjunction with adequate individual study of quality review materials.  POF’s recommended study guides for both the ABO and NCLE exams are available on the POF MarketPlace of this website.

    POF Cancellation Policy:

    • You can cancel for any reason and receive 100% credit toward a future event—no explanation required.
    • If canceled at least 2 weeks before the event: you'll get a credit on your POF account.
    • If canceled within 2 weeks of the event: registration fees are not refundable or credited.

    Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, if you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.

    Show details

  • 2026 Summer Showcase Conference

    • September 11, 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • September 13, 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, 14651 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821
    Register

    Your friends at Professional Opticians of Florida look forward to you joining us at Summer Showcase 2026  at The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek! We put together the best educational speakers in Opticianry for this weekend's event.


    Schedule at a Glance


    Friday, September 11th 

    10:00 am Registration Desk Opens

    12:00 pm CE Courses Start 

    Saturday, September 12th 

    7:30 am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00 am CE Courses Start 

    11:45 am Lunch & Trade Show

    Once education ends on Saturday, please join us for Happy Hour in the Trade Show followed by Opticians After Dark  

    Sunday, September 13th

    7:30am Registration Desk Opens

    8:00am CE Courses Start 


    For the  Summer Showcase Education Schedule Click Here

    Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

    14651 Chelonia Pkwy

    Orlando, FL 32821

    (407) 390-2300

    Please call The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek 407-390-2300 and ask for the Professional Opticians of Florida group rate of $165 per night or click below to book online.  Please book before August 19, 2026.  

    Driving Directions to Hotel



    • Resort fee waived
    • Self-Parking $15
    • Valet Parking $38




    To ensure your stay is both convenient and cost-effective, POF secures a limited number of rooms at an exclusive group rate. The deadline to secure your special group rate is listed under each event, and availability if first-come, first-served. Once the block is sold out, this discounted rate will no longer be available. 

    Act promptly and reserve your room today!

    Book Hotel

    POF is happy to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, POF will give you a 100% credit towards a future event, no explanation needed. Just send us a note confirming you cannot attend & we will credit your account after the event.

    Special Accommodations: In accordance with ADA, do you have any special requirements that we need to accommodate? Please call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days advance written notice is required.

    Show details

  • Hands on Frame Fitting Course @ Summer Showcase 2026

    • September 11, 2026
    • 5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL, 32830
    • 32
    Register

    Hands-on Frame Fitting and Adjustments

    Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 5:15 pm - 6:55pm

    $37 Registration Fee (Early)


    Course Description

    Opticians are constantly tasked with fitting and adjusting several common materials used in eyewear manufacturing, but there are some materials that require special attention and care before fitting and adjusting.  These special materials are often feared and met with resistance by opticians when it comes to fitting and adjusting, although there's nothing to fear. 

    Show details

  • ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    • November 02, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • December 07, 2026
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar
    Register

    ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the ABO Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help opticians confidently prepare for the ABO Basic Certification Exam.

    This comprehensive review series consists of six (6) live webinar sessions, each two (2) hours in length. Instruction is provided by an experienced Opticianry Program Instructor. Throughout the series, the instructor will review key exam content, explain essential concepts, and answer participant questions to ensure you are well prepared in advance of your exam.

    Webinar Schedule

    • November 2
    • November 9
    • November 16
    • November 23 
    • November 30
    • December 7

    Webinar Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

    ________________________________________

    Course Content Overview

    This review course covers the core areas of knowledge tested on the ABO Basic Certification Exam, including:

    I. Ophthalmic Optics

    • Terminology
    • Lens characteristics, powers, and formulas
    • Multifocal lenses
    • Lens materials
    • Prism

    II. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

    • Structure and function of the eye
    • Refractive errors

    III. Ophthalmic Products

    • Lenses and frames
    • Application of product knowledge
    • Verifying frame and lens parameters

    IV. Instrumentation

    • Use of lens power devices
    • Selection of ophthalmic tools, instruments, and equipment
    • Proper use and maintenance of ophthalmic tools and equipment

    V. Dispensing Procedures

    • Visual needs for lifestyle and occupational activities
    • Fitting, adjusting, measuring, and verification

    VI. Laws, Regulations, and Standards


    For more information on the

    ABO/NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Programs

    Click Here

    ________________________________________

    POF’s Promise to You

    POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician. We accept all major credit cards, as well as checks submitted in advance or on-site.

    Cancellation Policy

    POF is pleased to offer an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future POF event—no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

    Special Accommodations

    In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations.

    Call 850-201-2622

    Pre-registration and written notice at least 7 days in advance are required.

    Show details

  • NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    • November 04, 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • December 09, 2026
    • 9:00 PM
    • Online Webinar
    Register

    NCLE Basic Certification Exam Review Webinar Series

    Professional Opticians of Florida (POF) is pleased to offer the NCLE Exam Review Webinar Series, designed to help candidates confidently prepare for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

    This comprehensive webinar series consists of six (2-hour) live sessions, instructed by an experienced Opticianry program instructor. Participants will receive focused instruction on exam-related material and have the opportunity to ask questions in advance of their exam.

    Webinar Dates

    • November 4
    • November 11
    • November 18
    • November 25
    • December 2
    • December 9

    Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (ET)

    This course is designed to prepare candidates for the NCLE Basic Certification Examination.

    Course Topics Include

    Domain I

    • Ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology as it relates to contact lens wear

    Domain II

    • Refractive errors, including ametropias and optical conditions related to contact lenses

    Domain III

    • Pre-fitting techniques to evaluate corneal measurements and refractive error, including identification of specialty materials and lens designs

    Domains V & VI

    • Diagnostic fitting and dispensing of soft and rigid contact lenses
    • Aftercare, wearing schedules, and patient hygiene
    • Use of instruments, tests, and evaluation procedures

    Domain VII

    • Follow-up care and problem-solving protocols related to normal and abnormal symptoms

    Domain VIII

    • Legal aspects of contact lenses and tolerance standards used in contact lens fitting

    For more information on the NCLE/ABO Exam Review
    Click Here

    POF’s Promise to You

    POF’s goal is to provide friendly, professional service while treating you with the respect you deserve as an optician.

    • POF offers an optician-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a 100% credit toward a future event, no explanation required. Simply notify us in writing, and your account will be credited after the event.

    Special Accommodations


    In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please let us know if you require special accommodations. Call 850-201-2622. Pre-registration and 7 days’ advance written notice are required.

    Show details

  • Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation Webinar

    • November 24, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Webinar-Online
    Register

    All Florida Apprentices are required to attend an approved two-hour Apprentice/Sponsor Orientation course within one year of registering for

    their program. This webinar will fulfill your orientation course requirement and it includes the latest requirements, current deadlines, new exam updates and educational options for Apprentices.

    A limited number of spaces are available during the webinar, and they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. Sponsors of Apprentices can participate on the space available basis, however, this webinar will NOT be available for CE credit to Florida Opticians.

    This webinar is FREE to all Future Optician Members of POF and the standard rate of only $29 for Apprentices that are not members of POF. Join POF as a Future Optician Member for only $45 a year for the many benefits, including this Webinar. 

    Join POF


    Show details

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