Consumer and Media Information

To The Consumer of Optical Products:

Every day, millions of Americans put their eyes in trusted hands. They rely on the experience of eye care professionals to recommend and provide them with the best possible care. They know that eye conditions, if left undetected or untreated, can potentially lead to serious consequences (e.g., physical discomfort, permanent eye damage, disability and disease.)

Unfortunately, many consumers assume that the dispenser providing the service has all the necessary training to offer the best quality eye care. They do not realize that all eye care is not the same and not all optical product dispensers have the knowledge to accurately fill an eye doctor prescription.

The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) is an organization that stands for quality eye care. This non-profit certification board develops, administers and monitors the national certification programs for opticians and contact lens technicians. The organization certifies those individuals who have attained an established level of knowledge and skill necessary to safely dispense eye wear.

The ABO-NCLE is raising consumer awareness about the importance of using an ABO-NCLE certified optician or contact lens technician. In asking for certified dispensers, consumers are assured that they are receiving the highest quality eye care by professionals nationally recognized for their standards of excellence.

The ABO-NCLE encourage all dispensers of optical products and services to get national certification. Certification is achieved by examination and maintained through continuing education approved by the ABO-NCLE and available to opticians across the country.

As a consumer, you have the right to ask if your eyewear or contact lens dispenser is nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. The Federal Trade Commission has a regulation which requires eye doctors to give consumers a copy of their prescription. Consumers have the right to have their prescription filled at the optical dispensary of their choice.

Ask your eyecare professional if they are board certified by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. Certified dispensers will have their certificates on display and a wallet card with a current date of renewal.