Content Outline and Test Specifications for the American Board of Opticianry Advanced Certification Examination

Content Area

Analyze and Interpret Prescription

• Analyze customer's/patient's prescription by recognizing and interpreting ophthalmic disorder(s) to understand customer's/patient's needs, and determing the effects of the prescription and the possible problems of those effects to promote optimum comfort, visual efficiency, and cosmetic acceptability.
• Detect irregularities by applying knowledge of ophthalmic terminology to ensure that the prescription is complete.
• Recognize limitations of the prescription relative to customer's/patient's practical application of the product by determining the relationship between prescription and the customer's/patient's needs in order to prepare the order.

Design, Sell, Fit and Dispense Spectacles and other Ophthalmic Devices

• Identify the customer's/patient's needs and wants by taking a history, reviewing and verifying existing records, assessing previous eyewear use, identifying visual tasks and evaluating this information to fulfill the customer's/patient's needs and wants.
• Evaluate the parameters of new and old eyewear by comparing previous and current prescriptions, base curves, centering, frame size and fit, lens materials, lens thickness and weight, and multifocal position to ensure that previous visual problems are resolved and the customer's/patient's needs and wants are properly fulfilled.
• Design eyeglasses and make recommendations to the customer/patient by determining the frame and lens type and communicating product performance to fulfill the customer's/patient's visual requirements, needs and wants.
• Take necessary facial, ocular and frame measurements by using accurate methods and evaluate the results to enhance visual performance and appearance.
• Market additional ophthalmic products by demonstrating the use of these products, explaining the various features of additional lens and frame types, and recommending additional frames, lenses, contact lenses and accessories, and other ocular devices to fulfill the customer's/patient's needs, wants and lifestyle requirements.
• Verify the ordered product by determining if lenses and frames are prepared in accordance with specifications of the order form to ensure that proper eyewear is dispensed to the customer/patient.
• Adjust the product by modifying the fit of the eyewear in relation to the customer's/patient's head and face and provide follow-up services to promote comfort, appearance and optimum visual performance.
• Demonstrate product performance and applicability by providing education to the customer/patient to meet their needs and wants.
• Work within professional and legal boundaries by recognizing one's limitations and acting within ethical, legal, and professional guidelines to ensure that the customer's/patient's needs and wants are met.

Use Ophthalmic Equipment

• Operate equipment by following manufacturer's directions (e.g., determining lens powers, layout and edge lenses, treat lenses, assemble and adjust product) within the confines of accepted occupational safety and health standards to produce a product that is complete and correct.
• Maintain equipment by following a routine maintenance schedule and accurately calibrating equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Compute and analyze ophthalmic data by applying formulae, performing computations and interpreting ophthalmic measurements to ensure that product is accurately fabricated.
• Demonstrate technology and applicability by providing education to the customer/patient.

Business Management Professional Relations

• Communicate with other professionals (e.g., ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician).
• Establish and maintain effective communication with vendors.
• Serve as an expert resource and educator for other professionals including opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists and ancillary personnel.

Human Resources

• Plan, implement and/or evaluate personnel policies and practices that comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Plan, implement and/or evaluate programs to promote recruitment procedures that enhance staff selection and retention (e.g., benefits, training, incentives, flexible work schedules, staff recognition, regular performance appraisals).
• Establish and maintain a safe and positive work environment (e.g., safety training, employee risk management, communication techniques, motivation techniques).
• Plan, implement and/or evaluate a staff in-service training program.

Customer Relations

• Establish and maintain effective customer/patient and practitioner interactions.
• Establish policies and procedures regarding verbal and written interaction and communications.
• Review employee documents and customer/patient complaints to analyze and resolve problems.
• Re-evaluate policies and procedures and complaints to prevent future problems; modify policies and procedures, if necessary.

Sales/Marketing

• Demonstrate products to the public.
• Provide educational seminars and/or materials to the public.
• Promote awareness of goods and services.
• Deliver complimentary services to the community (e.g., vision screenings).

Business

• Develop, implement and/or monitor a business plan.
• Develop, implement and/or monitor a budget.
• Analyze financial statements.
• Develop, implement and/or monitor third party relationships.
• Comply with professional, ethical and legal guidelines.
• Document compliance with professional, and legal guidelines.

Physical Management

• Develop, implement and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding inventory and inventory control.
• Develop, implement and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding tools and equipment and their maintenance.
• Develop, implement and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding the physical plant management and maintenance.

Professional Development

• Attend educational events (e.g., seminars, workshops, trade shows, conventions) for continuous professional development.
• Conduct educational events (e.g., seminars, workshops, trade shows, conventions).
• Set goals and clarify professional objectives.
• Develop and implement time management.
• Maintain professional certification.
• Knowledge of forecasting usage trends.