Spectacle Exam Review Material (ABO)
Member Pricing
You will notice that NAO members pay significantly less for NAO’s educational materials than non-members. Offering our members preferred pricing is our way of thanking them for supporting our Mission Statement, “To provide quality, affordable training and education to all Opticians.” If you’re not already an Academy member, now is a great time to join. Simply join the NAO on-line and then place your order on-line using member pricing. You can also call us at 800-229-4828 to join and order.
ABO Certification Exam Review Material for Beginners
(0-3 years of experience)
Basic Opticians Tutorial
Diane F. Drake, LDO, ABOM, FCLSA, FNAO
David F. Meldrum, FNAO, ABOM
Randall L. Smith, M.S., ABOM, NCLEC, FNA
This tutorial is designed for study purposes and follows the format as presented in the National Opticianry Competency Examination Job Analysis.
The purpose that this particular sequence is used is to enable the student studying this tutorial to better understand the information contained within the domain requirements and have a better understanding of what information is needed in preparing for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (Basic ABO Certification Examination).
The chapters of tutorial are directly related to the basic Opticians Job Analysis.
Basic Opticians Tutorial - In Spanish
Diane F. Drake, LDO, ABOM, FCLSA, FNAO
David F. Meldrum, FNAO, ABOM
Randall L. Smith, M.S., ABOM, NCLEC, FNA
This tutorial is designed for study purposes and follows the format as presented in the National Opticianry Competency Examination Job Analysis.
The purpose that this particular sequence is used is to enable the student studying this tutorial to better understand the information contained within the domain requirements and have a better understanding of what information is needed in preparing for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (Basic ABO Certification Examination).
The chapters of tutorial are directly related to the basic Opticians Job Analysis.
NAO Exam Review DVD Set
Author and Instructor: Ed Wnuczek, ABOC, FNAO
This 2 Disc set is also packaged with the Ophthalmic Glossary. The content of the discs are from Ed Wnuczek’s ABO test review class which boasts over a 90% success rate. Among the topics covered are:
- characteristics and properties of lenses;
- commonly used optical systems;
- anatomy and physiology of the eye;
- frames;
- eye conditions the optician should know;
- legal aspects of opticianry, and
- interpreting test questions and study suggestions.
Disc 1:
* How to properly interpret the test questions and study suggestions.
* Lenses: light, dispersion value, index of refraction, ultraviolet, scientific theories of light, characteristics of lenses, tints, A. R. coatings, properties of lenses, how to calculate vertex distance, spheres, cylinders, transportation, optical cross exercises, power of cylinder, off axis, meridian.
* Notation, the reading RX, proper ways to take a P. D. segment measurement and positioning, box measurement and key points, the datum system and key points, minimum blank size, prism, Prentice Rule (case histories).
* Phoria and Tropia, convergence, slab-off, how, why and the math, base curves, lens hardening systems.
* The new standards revisions, and
* Commonly used optical symbols.
Disc 2:
* Basic anatomy, muscles of the eye, * Sclera, Conjunctivitiva, Schlemm, Crystalline Lens, Iris, Macula, Pupil, Optic Nerve, and
* Refractive Power of the Eye, Astigmatism, Myopia, Hyperopia, Cataract, Glaucoma, Strabismus, Amblyopia.
* Responsibilities of the Optician, duty to warn, common areas for litigation, warranties and waivers, how to avoid litigation, hiring an attorney.
* Frames: plastic, metal, rimless, safety, sport Frames, hypo-allergenity, weight, color, glazing tips, cost, construction characteristics.
* A Discussion of proper management of the safety glass purchase.
* Metric System: history, meter, centimeter, millimeter, inch, conversion tables, focal length of a lens, and
* Advice and suggestions for successful dispensing and management of your patient.
ABO Certification Exam Review Material for Intermediate Levels
(3-5 years of experience)
Certification Exam Review Tutorial (C.E.R.T.)
The Certification Exam Review Tutorial (C.E.R.T.) is a new Spectacle Exam Preparation Tool and an NAO exclusive publication. It is designed for those who need a little more than a review or refresher course, yet don’t need a total teaching tool in order to prepare for all of the areas covered on the Spectacle Certification Exam.
Yes, a review might be helpful in some areas but overall you’d feel more prepared and confident if your Exam Preparation Tool started with the very basics and built from there. The C.E.R.T. Book falls somewhere in the middle between a review tool and a teaching tool.
This book is written by three of the most highly respected authorities in opticianry today: David Meldrum of Georgia, Edmund Wnuczek, Jr. of Wisconsin and Thomas Zizka of Michigan. Each chapter closes with several review questions. All (399) questions are answered in the back of the book.
Chapters include:
Foreword: Taking the Examination
Chapter 1: Light and Radiation
Chapter 2: Basic Optical Principles
Chapter 3: Characteristics of Ophthalmic Lenses
Chapter 4: Measuring the Patient
Chapter 5: Lens Ordering Considerations
Chapter 6: Fitting and Dispensing Spectacles And Accessories – Lens Materials
Chapter 7: Ophthalmic Prism: A Practical Approach
Chapter 8: Dispensing: Suggestions and Theories
Chapter 9: Ophthalmic Frames
Chapter 10: Instruments and Dispensing Tools
Chapter 11: Final Inspection & Quality Control
Chapter 12: Low Vision Correction
Chapter 13: Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
Chapter 14: Legal Responsibilities and Ethics For the Optician
Glossaries
Pure Optics
Phernell C. Walker, II ABOM, author, writes:
“Ophthalmic optics is both a science and an art. The science involves the understanding and methodology of harnessing and manipulating light and its images using ophthalmic lenses and mirrors. The art involves designing the best lens, selecting the most appropriate frame and blending the cosmesis of both.
After training opticians over the years, it became apparent to me that an ophthalmic manuscript that takes a modular, comprehensive, step by step, forward approach was needed. Pure Optics was created for this very reason. My goal was to provide a tool to unlock the door, giving a further understanding to the complex, yet intriguing world of ophthalmic optics. Pure Optics is an excellent resource for individuals studying for the American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABOC) and other state boards or anyone that dispenses lenses.”
Each chapter concludes with a summary quiz with answers.
Chapters cover:
- Introduction to Ophthalmic Optics
- Lens Aberrations
- Physical Optics
- Frame/Lens Cosmesis
- Ocular Anatomy & Physiology
- Dispensing
- Refractive Errors
- Prism Applications
- Geometric Optics
- Lensometry
- Prescription Analysis
- Ophthalmic Standard
- Lens Options and Materials
NAO Flash Cards
This is a 485 card set with 470 questions (answers and brief explanation are on the back of each card). Also included are test taking tips, explanations of domains of knowledge, and references. The set combines the most pertinent questions and information from all the books in NAO’s popular Spectacle Review Set.
This is a great tool for review and self assessment
Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book
This exam review tool is one of our best offerings for anyone and everyone taking the exam.
The new Ophthalmic Dispensing Review book is a multiple choice, question-and-answer guide with hundreds of questions arranged in the same domains as found on the Certification Exam and as referenced by the Dispensing Optician Job Analysis.
The book offers the correct answer to each question with a brief explanation for each correct answer.
It is a great self-assessment tool to define areas where more study is needed and to help build confidence right before the exam.
The Ophthalmic Dispensing Review book can be purchased by itself and is also found as one of three books included in the Spectacle Review Set
Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book - En Espanol
This exam review tool is one of our best offerings for anyone and everyone taking the exam.
The new Ophthalmic Dispensing Review book is a multiple choice, question-and-answer guide with hundreds of questions arranged in the same domains as found on the Certification Exam and as referenced by the Dispensing Optician Job Analysis.
The book offers the correct answer to each question with a brief explanation for each correct answer.
It is a great self-assessment tool to define areas where more study is needed and to help build confidence right before the exam.
The Ophthalmic Dispensing Review book can be purchased by itself and is also found as one of three books included in the Spectacle Review Set
ABO Certification Exam Review Materials for Experienced
(5+ years of experience)
Spectacle Exam Review Book Set
MONEY SAVING SET!
All three of these books, if sold separately, would cost $97.00 for members and $187.00 for non-members. Purchase them as a set and SAVE!
Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book
This exam review tool is one of our best offerings for anyone and everyone taking the exam.
The new Ophthalmic Dispensing Review book is a multiple choice, question-and-answer guide with hundreds of questions arranged in the same domains as found on the Certification Exam and as referenced by the Dispensing Optician Job Analysis.
The book offers the correct answer to each question with a brief explanation for each correct answer.
It is a great self-assessment tool to define areas where more study is needed and to help build confidence right before the exam…plus
Exam Review for Ophthalmic Dispensing
This exam review book for the Basic Spectacle Certification Exam complements the Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book and the Math Review Book. This in-depth workbook includes:
* basic optical theory;
* structure and function of the eye;
* lens fabrication,
* measurements (facial and frame), and more.
At the end of each narrative section, chapter summary questions are provided to help you self-evaluate what you have learned from that chapter…plus
Optical Math Review
The Math Review Book, A Practical Guide for Dispensers is an invaluable text and reference that reviews the math you will need to know for the Basic Certification Exam as well as throughout your career in opticianry.
From solving math problems applicable to prescription optics, to metric conversion, to math applicable to the Certification Exam, this book is surprisingly easy to read and comprehend.
All three of these books, if sold separately, would cost $97.00 for members and $187.00 for non-members. Purchase them as a set and SAVE!
Spectacle Exam Review Book
This exam review book for the Basic Spectacle Certification Exam complements the Ophthalmic Dispensing Review Book and the Math Review Book. This in-depth workbook includes:
Basic optical theory,
Structure and function of the eye,
Lens fabrication,
Measurements (facial and frame),
and more.
At the end of each narrative section, chapter summary questions are provided to help you self-evaluate what you have learned from that chapter. This is a good stand-alone study tool, but it is also one of three books in the Spectacle Review Set
Spectacle Exam Math Review Book
The Math Review Book, A Practical Guide for Dispensers is an invaluable text and reference that reviews the math you will need to know for the Basic Certification Exam as well as throughout your career in opticianry.
From solving math problems applicable to prescription optics, to metric conversion, to math applicable to the Certification Exam, this book is surprisingly easy to read and comprehend.
The Math Review Book can stand alone, but can also be found as one of three books included in the Spectacle Reference Book Set.
ABO Advanced Opticians Exam Review Material
(Only for the ABO Advanced Exam)
Advanced Opticians Tutorial
Advanced Opticians Tutorial (AOT) (prep for ABO Advanced Exam)
*** Updated 2019 ***
(Following is a random selection of text from the Advanced Opticians Tutorial)
…7 days if there is no further trauma. All cells are held together by a cement substance. The epithelium cells form a layer of uniform thickness and great regularity.
The second layer is Bowman’s layer, which is a basement membrane. It is a sheet of transparent tissue approximately 10 µm (.10mm) thick. It consists of randomly arranged collagen fibrils, attached to the limbus and is extremely tough. Any damage to Bowman’s layer will produce a fibrous scar tissue. Under electron microscopy it appears to be made up of uniform fibrils running parallel to the surface. Bowman’s layer is acellular; it is a modified superficial stromal layer. Bowman’s layer has previously been referred to as Bowman’s membrane and is commonly referred to as such today depending on the source of information. Bowman’s layer provides a barrier to most molecules.
The middle layer of the cornea is the Stroma or the Substantia Propria. It comprises approximately ninety percent of the total thickness of the cornea and consists of finely layered collagen fibrils 30 µm (.30mm) in diameter, stacked lamellae extending from limbus to limbus, running parallel to the surface and to each other. This regular structure in addition to the absence of blood vessels contributes to its transparency, and is dependent upon proper hydration. Collection of additional fluids in the stroma will interrupt the regular structure and produce edema and clouding of the stromal tissues. Six percent or greater edema of the stroma will greatly reduce transparency, creating posterior striae, and in greater swelling of ten percent or more posterior folds are produced. Nutrition is primarily through diffusion through the endothelium from the aqueous humor. Both proper fluid balance and nutrition can be influenced by contact lens wear, by changing the proper balance of both. Ulcers produced by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections or involving the deep layers of the stroma may take weeks to heal.
Lamellae are 2 µm thick (.02mm). Injury to the stroma produces a scar. Inflammatory cells will infiltrate from vessels at the limbus, and vessels often invade the stroma during chronic inflammation. The stroma requires oxygen to maintain deturgesced state and constant thickness. Hypoxia results in anaerobic metabolism lactate production, and imbibition of water: edema. When regular arrangement of collagen fibers is altered, the stroma loses transparency and becomes clouded. Turnover of collagen fibers is slow; from 2 – 3 years.
The fourth layer of the cornea is Descemet’s membrane which is a posterior limiting layer that is approximately 8-12 µm thick. It is comprised of two layers, the anterior banded layer, developed during embryology and a posterior layer which is non-banded and produced throughout life by the endothelium. Descemet’s membrane will retain the shape of the stroma when changes occur due to edema or other causes of corneal shape alteration causing striae. It is loosely attached by short fibrils from the stroma. It is a true basement membrane and resistant to penetration. Trauma, intraocular surgery, inflammation, or poorly fitting contact lenses may cause temporary folds to develop in Descemet’s membrane.
The most interior layer of the cornea is the Endothelium, which is comprised of a single layer of mostly hexagonally shaped cells about four to six micrometers thick and twenty micrometers wide, located at the posterior of the cornea. (See figure 12) It forms a barrier between the aqueous humor and corneal stroma. At birth, the human eye contains approximately 400,000 of these cells. No additional cells are developed throughout life, so preserving the healthy state of these…