ABO Advanced Exams

Content Outline and Test Specifications

1. Optics 30%

A.  Optical Terminology
B. Prescriptions
C.  Lens measurements, changes and their effects, and characteristics
D. Optical properties of lens materials
E. Lens designs
F. Effects of lens materials and design on thickness, weight, and dispersion
G. Components of lens powers
H. Prismatic effects related to the design of a lens
I. Ophthalmic Formulas and Concepts

2. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Refraction 33%

A. Structure of the Eye and Function

  • Anterior Adnexa
  • Anterior Segment
  • Posterior Segment

B. Pathology

  •  Facial asymmetries
  •  Ocular pathologies
  •  Systemic pathologies with ocular complications

C. Assessment of visual function

  • Refractive status of the eye
  • Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color discrimination assessment
  • Binocular function
  • Accommodative function

3. Ophthalmic Products 10%

A. Lenses and lens treatments
B. Low Vision Aids
C. Preassembled eyewear
D. Lens options for various occupations and specific lifestyle activities

4. Instrumentation 9%

A. Use of lens power measuring devices (e.g., focimeter, lensmeter)
B. Use of Lens Measurement Devices
C. Optical Instrumentation
D. Lens measurement systems and conversions

5. Dispensary Protocols and Procedures 10%

A. Optical History
B. Fitting, Adjusting, Measuring, and Troubleshooting

6. Laws, Regulations, and Standards 8%

A. Ophthalmic product performance and limitations
B. Applicable national guidelines, laws, regulations, and standards
C. Universal precautions (e.g., health and safety issues)
D. Record keeping

 

NCLE Advanced Exams

Content Outline and Test Specifications 

1. Prefit, Preparation, and Evaluation (Including patients with complex conditions) 25%

A. Obtain and document the history of patients who have complex ocular conditions that require specialty lenses. 
B. Assess the technical aspects of the patient's complex ocular status to determine contact lens options. 
C. Discuss with the patient his or her needs, expectations, and limitations.
D. Analyze information and explain lens options to meet patient needs. 

2. Design, Fit and Dispense Standard and Specialty Lenses 30%

A. Select lens material and design (e.g., piggyback, custom soft, hybrid, scleral lenses for irregular cornea) to conduct a diagnostic lens evaluation. 
B. Evaluate diagnostic lenses to determine initial fit. 
C. Order lenses, including specialty and customized lenses, by specifying lens parameters. 

3. Patient Instruction and Delivery Procedures (Including those with specialty lenses) 15% 

A. Verify lens parameters. 
B. Educate the patient on lens wear and care (e.g., piggyback, hybrid, scleral) by providing verbal and written instructions. 
C. Provide hands‐on practice on lens application and removal, including scleral and hybrid lenses. 
D. Schedule appointments for follow‐up assessment of lens wear.

4. Routine and Emergency Follow‐up Visits 25% 

A. Discuss with the patient his or her subjective response to lens wear. 
B. Evaluate lens fit and performance, including complex designs. 
C. Implement and evaluate modifications to lens design. 
D. Review patient compliance. 
E. Determine follow‐up appointments to monitor lens fit and ocular integrity. 
F. Educate patients on new developments in contact lens technology.
G. Recognize and triage patients with acute contact lens complications.

5. Administrative Procedures 5% 

A. Maintain a safe contact lens environment. 
B. Comply with professional, ethical, and legal guidelines. 
C. Maintain patient records. 

 

2024 Testing Dates/Registration Deadlines

January 2- March 31, 2024 Testing Window:  

Registration opens December 1 and closes on March 15. There are no late registrations.

April 1 - June 30, 2024 Testing Window:  

Registration opens March 16 and closes on June 15. There are no late registrations.

July 1- September 30, 2024 Testing Window:  

Registration opens June 16 and closes on September 15. There are no late registrations.

October 1- December 21, 2024 Testing Window:  

Registration opens September 16 and closes on November 15. There are no late registrations.

Certification Registration

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