Top 11 Optical Manager Certifications

Certifications for optical managers are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a person has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform in the role. Certifications also provide evidence of professional development, which can help an individual stand out from other candidates. Optical managers who have certifications are more likely to have higher salaries, better job security, and greater opportunities for advancement. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities by showing potential employers that an optical manager is qualified to work in specialized areas such as contact lens fitting or ophthalmic instrumentation.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Optical Managers and outlines how they can benefit an optical manager's career.

What are Optical Manager Certifications?

Optical Manager Certification is a program that trains and certifies optical managers in the field of optometry. It is designed to help optical managers gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage an optical practice. This certification program covers topics such as patient care, billing and coding, financial management, customer service, marketing and sales, staff management, inventory control, and legal issues related to optometry.

The Optical Manager Certification provides practitioners with the necessary tools to ensure that their business operations are conducted in accordance with current regulations and best practices. The certification also offers comprehensive training in areas such as human resources, customer service, marketing strategies, accounting principles and procedures, product knowledge, industry trends and more. By completing this certification program, optical managers will have the skills needed to provide excellent customer service while successfully managing their own practice.

In addition to providing valuable insight into business operations and customer service techniques, completing this certification can also help optical managers increase their professional credibility in the field of optometry. Having a recognized certification can demonstrate a commitment to excellence in practice management which can give practitioners an edge when competing for job opportunities or when negotiating higher compensation packages.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in an optical manager certification program, research the credentials of the program provider and make sure that the certification you receive is recognized by industry organizations and employers.

Related: What does an Optical Manager do?

Top 11 Optical Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Optical Managers today.

1. Certified Optical Manager (COM)

Certified Optical Manager (COM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of optical retailing. The COM certification is offered by the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the opticianry profession.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as optical retailing, patient care, product knowledge, and business management. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

To apply for the COM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $200 USD. Once approved, applicants will be notified via email and given instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 USD and includes access to study materials and practice tests. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their official COM certification certificate from NAO.

2. Certified Optical Dispensing Professional (CODP)

Certified Optical Dispensing Professional (CODP) is a certification program offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). It is designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality eyewear services. This certification is available for both opticians and optical assistants.

The CODP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as patient care, frame selection, lens fabrication, and dispensing techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CODP certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in the optical field or have completed an ABO approved course. Additionally, applicants must submit a completed application form along with a fee of $250 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CODP certificate within 8-10 weeks. The certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by submitting a renewal application form along with a fee of $100 USD.

3. Certified Optician (CO)

A Certified Optician (CO) is a professional who has been trained and certified to dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices. They are responsible for ensuring that the patient’s vision needs are properly met with the appropriate prescription lenses. Certified Opticians must also be knowledgeable about current trends in eyewear fashion and technology.

In order to become a Certified Optician, individuals must complete an accredited opticianry program and pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). The program typically takes two years to complete, although some states may require additional training or certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Optician varies depending on the state and type of program chosen. Most programs require tuition fees, books, supplies, and other related costs. Additionally, applicants must pay for the ABO exam fee which is currently $250 USD.

Once you have passed the ABO exam, you will receive your CO certification from the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). You will then need to apply for licensure in your state or jurisdiction in order to practice as a Certified Optician.

4. American Board of Opticianry (ABO)

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification to opticians in the United States. The ABO was founded in 1971 and is the oldest and largest certifying body for opticians. It is recognized by the American Optometric Association, National Academy of Opticianry, and other professional organizations.

To become certified by the ABO, an optician must pass a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of optical dispensing. This includes knowledge of frame selection, lens design, patient care, and business management. The exam consists of both written and practical components and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the ABO certification exam, applicants must have completed at least two years of formal education or training in optical dispensing from an accredited school or program. They must also have at least one year of full-time experience working as an optician within the past three years.

The cost to take the ABO certification exam varies depending on when it is taken and where it is taken. In general, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD for members of certain professional organizations such as the American Optometric Association or National Academy of Opticianry. For non-members, the cost can be up to $500 USD or more.

Once a candidate has passed the ABO certification exam they will receive a certificate indicating their successful completion which will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or re-examination.

5. National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)

The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for contact lens practitioners. This certification is designed to demonstrate the practitioner’s knowledge and expertise in contact lens fitting, care and management. The NCLE certification is recognized by state licensing boards, employers, and other organizations as evidence of competence in the field of contact lenses.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the application process and obtain the NCLE certification. To get started, applicants must first complete an online application form on the NCLE website. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the examination. After registering for the exam, applicants will be sent a study guide which contains information about the exam topics and format.

The cost of taking the NCLE exam is $350 USD for members of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) or $400 USD for non-members. The fee covers both registration and examination fees as well as access to practice tests prior to taking the actual exam.

Once completed, applicants will receive their official NCLE certificate within 2-4 weeks after passing the exam. The certificate is valid for three years from date of issue and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits every three years thereafter.

6. International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE)

The International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to providing contact lens educators with the resources they need to teach contact lens fitting and care. IACLE was established in 1988 and has members in more than 80 countries.

IACLE offers a range of educational materials, including online courses, webinars, textbooks, and other resources. To become an IACLE member, you must have at least two years of experience in teaching contact lenses. You must also be endorsed by an IACLE-affiliated eye care professional or educator.

Membership is free and takes about two weeks to process. Once approved, you will receive access to the IACLE website as well as discounts on educational materials and events.

In addition to membership benefits, IACLE also offers certification programs for contact lens educators. These programs are designed to help ensure that contact lens educators have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality instruction for their students. Certification programs require passing a written exam as well as completing additional coursework and practical training sessions. The cost of certification varies depending on the program chosen but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

7. Certified Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist (COT/COTR)

A Certified Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist (COT/COTR) is a professional who has achieved certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). This certification is given to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of ophthalmic skills, knowledge, and abilities.

To become certified as a COT/COTR, one must complete an approved educational program and pass the JCAHPO Certification Examination. The educational program typically takes two years to complete, although some programs may require more or less time depending on the individual’s background and experience.

Once the educational program is completed, applicants must submit an application for certification to JCAHPO along with any required fees. The fee for the initial application is $225 USD. If approved, applicants will then be eligible to take the JCAHPO Certification Examination which consists of both written and practical components. The cost for this exam is $400 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the examination, they will be awarded their COT/COTR certification from JCAHPO. This certification must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee of $125 USD.

8. Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)

Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) is a professional designation that recognizes the specialized skills and knowledge of professionals who specialize in providing services to individuals with low vision. CLVT is a credential awarded by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

To become certified, applicants must have at least a master’s degree in an appropriate field, such as vision rehabilitation therapy or ophthalmology, and must have completed at least two years of experience in providing direct services to individuals with visual impairments. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics related to low vision assessment and intervention.

The process of becoming certified typically takes several months to complete. The first step is to submit an application for certification along with the required documentation, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and verification of experience. Once the application has been approved, applicants must register for and take the written examination. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification from ACVREP.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Generally speaking, there are fees associated with submitting an application for certification ($50), registering for and taking the written exam ($200), and receiving certification ($100).

9. American Board of Optometry (ABO-COE)

The American Board of Optometry (ABO-COE) is a voluntary certification program for optometrists in the United States. The ABO-COE is designed to recognize and promote excellence in optometric practice. It is the only national board certification program for optometrists in the US and is recognized by all state boards of optometry.

To become certified through the ABO-COE, an optometrist must pass a comprehensive written examination that covers all aspects of clinical optometric care. This exam typically takes about six hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions, case studies, and other types of questions. Once the exam is passed, an optometrist must also submit evidence of continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification status.

In order to apply for ABO-COE certification, an optometrist must first be licensed by their state board of optometry and have completed at least three years of post-graduate clinical experience. The application process includes submitting official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, completing a background check, providing proof of malpractice insurance coverage, and paying a one-time fee of $450.

Once all requirements are met and the application is approved, an optometrist will receive their ABO-COE certificate within 8 weeks. This certificate will remain valid for five years before needing to be renewed with additional continuing education credits or re-examination if necessary.

10. National Academy of Opticianry Certification Program (NAOCP)

The National Academy of Opticianry Certification Program (NAOCP) is a certification program designed to recognize opticians who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and skill in the field. The NAOCP requires opticians to pass a comprehensive written exam in order to become certified. This exam covers topics such as optics, contact lenses, eyeglass frames, and ophthalmic instruments.

It typically takes about six months to study for and successfully complete the NAOCP exam. To prepare for the exam, opticians should review textbooks, attend lectures or seminars, and practice with sample questions.

To get certified through the NAOCP program, opticians must first register with the Academy and pay an application fee. After registration is complete, applicants will receive an email containing instructions on how to access the online exam platform. Once they have completed all sections of the exam, applicants will receive their results within two weeks.

The cost of registration for the NAOCP certification program is $300 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers both the application process and testing materials needed for completion of the exam.

11. American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses Certification Program (ASORN CP).

The American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN) Certification Program (ASORN CP) is a voluntary professional certification program for ophthalmic registered nurses. It is designed to recognize and validate the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of ophthalmic registered nurses.

The ASORN CP requires passing an examination that covers core competencies in ophthalmic nursing. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a current RN license, two years of full-time experience as an ophthalmic nurse within the last five years, and 30 hours of continuing education in ophthalmology within the last five years.

To apply for the ASORN CP, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation, such as proof of licensure and continuing education credits. The application fee is $300 USD. Once approved, applicants will receive a link to register for the exam at their preferred location.

Successful candidates will receive the ASORN CP credential after passing the exam and paying a one-time certification fee of $100 USD. The certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain certification status, certified individuals are required to complete 45 contact hours of continuing education in ophthalmology every five years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD.

Do You Really Need a Optical Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. Obtaining an optical manager certificate is not required for most optical professions; however, it can be beneficial in certain situations.

For those who are looking to advance their career in the optical industry, a certificate can be a great way to stand out from other applicants. Many employers view certification as evidence of commitment and knowledge in the field. It also provides a way to demonstrate expertise and experience in managing optical products and services, which could give you an edge when applying for higher-level positions or promotions.

In addition, having an optical manager certificate may open up networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry. This could lead to valuable connections and potential job leads that would otherwise be unavailable without certification. Finally, many organizations offer discounts or other incentives to holders of an optical manager certificate, so obtaining one could save you money on professional development courses or materials related to your profession.

Ultimately, whether you should pursue an optical manager certificate depends on your own goals and aspirations within the field. If you feel like it would benefit your career path and give you a competitive advantage, then it might be worth investing in obtaining one.

Related: Optical Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Optical Manager Certifications

Q1. What is an Optical Manager Certification?

A1. An Optical Manager Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a set of skills and knowledge related to managing optical businesses. It is designed to help optical professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Optical Manager?

A2. To become certified as an Optical Manager, you must complete approved courses in optics, business management, and other related topics, then pass the national certification exam administered by the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO).

Q3. How long does it take to get certified?

A3. The time it takes to become certified varies depending on your experience level and the number of courses you must take to meet the requirements for certification. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the necessary steps for certification.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming an Optical Manager?

A4. Becoming an Optical Manager provides numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater credibility in the industry. Additionally, many employers prefer hiring those with certifications due to their commitment to continued education and professional development in optics management practices.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

A5. Yes, your certification will expire after three years unless you complete continuing education credits or retake the exam during that time period in order to maintain your credentialing status with NAO.