Who are ABO and NCLE?

ABO and 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 certificants 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.

What is certification?

You can't buy it; you have to earn it. Certification is professional distinction – official and public recognition of your achievement that you have met a national set of standards as a qualified and competent optician or contact lens technician. Certification is official assurance to the public that you will handle their eye wear needs competently and carefully; certification is recognized by employers as a standard of competence.