How to become an optician
Opticians help patients choose frames and lenses, take measurements such as pupillary distance and fitting heights, verify finished eyewear, and adjust and repair glasses. Opticians with contact lens training also fit and dispense contact lenses and teach patients how to wear and care for them.
- Finish high school or a GED. It's the eligibility requirement for the ABO and NCLE basic exams.
- Get trained. People enter opticianry through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or formal opticianry programs. Which routes count toward a license depends on your state.
- Check your state. The ABO-NCLE directory lists 21 states plus Puerto Rico that license opticians. Use our state hub to find your board, then confirm the rules with it.
- Earn ABO certification. The ABO Basic exam (NOCE) covers optics, products, instrumentation, dispensing, and standards.
- Add NCLE if you work with contact lenses. The NCLE Basic exam (CLRE) covers contact lens fitting and care. Some states treat contact lens dispensing separately.
- Keep learning. ABO and NCLE certification renew every 3 years with continuing education credits.
Optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist?
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Optician | Fits and dispenses eyewear (and contact lenses, with training) from a prescription. |
| Ophthalmic assistant | Supports an ophthalmologist with testing, measurements, documentation, and patient education. |
| Optometrist (OD) | Examines eyes and prescribes corrective lenses. |
| Ophthalmologist (MD/DO) | Physician providing medical and surgical eye care. |
How to become an ophthalmic assistant
Ophthalmic assistants work in ophthalmology practices under an ophthalmologist's direction. Their work maps closely to the COA® exam content areas: taking patient histories, measuring visual acuity, checking pupils, measuring eye pressure, lensometry, visual fields, and helping patients understand their care.
- Get into an ophthalmology setting. Either enroll in an accredited ophthalmic assisting program or start working in an ophthalmology practice.
- Pick your COA pathway. IJCAHPO has three eligibility pathways (below).
- Pass the COA exam. 200 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes at a Pearson VUE center. See our COA guide.
- Recertify every 36 months with 18 IJCAHPO credits. COT® and COMT® are the next core certification levels.
| Pathway | Education | Work experience |
|---|---|---|
| COA-A1 | Graduate of an ICA-accredited ophthalmic program at the Clinical Assistant level | None required |
| COA-A2 | Graduate of an ICA-accredited Non-Clinical Assistant program (distance learning included) | 500 hours working under an ophthalmologist within the prior 12 months |
| COA-A3 | High school diploma or equivalent plus an approved independent study course (the JCAT or the AAO Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course) | 1,000 hours working under an ophthalmologist within the prior 12 months |
We don't publish salary figures yet. When we do, they'll come from a cited, current source.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to become an optician?
The ABO and NCLE basic certification exams require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Training and licensing requirements beyond that depend on your state — some states license opticians and set their own education or apprenticeship rules.
What is the difference between an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist?
Opticians fit and dispense eyeglasses and, with training, contact lenses, based on a prescription. Optometrists (ODs) examine eyes and prescribe corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists (MDs or DOs) are physicians who provide medical and surgical eye care. Ophthalmic assistants support ophthalmologists in clinic.
Exam questions answered with official sources: ABO exam FAQ · NCLE exam FAQ · COA exam FAQ · how to study for the COA exam.
Official sources
- ABO-NCLE — Basic Exam overview (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — Opticianry Licensing Boards directory (opens in a new tab)
- IJCAHPO — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) (opens in a new tab)
- IJCAHPO — Core Criteria Handbook (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed . Requirements, fees, and dates change — always confirm with the official source before you register or apply.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by ABO-NCLE, IJCAHPO, or any state board. Not medical advice. Practice questions are original and don't guarantee a passing score. Verify current requirements with the official source. Read the full disclaimer.