JAMAICA, N.Y.—New York optician apprentices and students can enhance their knowledge of the field and improve their preparation for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) written exam with the ABO review course, Sunday, July 26, at the JFK Airport Crowne Plaza Hotel in Jamaica, N.Y. The New York State Society of Opticians (NYSSO) will host the course, provided by the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS). Professor Robert Russo, a professor emeritus and past chairperson of the Vision Care Technology Department at the New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn will be the instructor.

“Mentorship for opticians begins with fundamentals and hands on training,” explained Laura Frezza, a licensed optician and NYSSO’s acting executive director. “Students enrolled in college programs are taught from the ground up. However, New York State apprentices, those holding training permits, can have a more challenging path. They are trained by their sponsors without a standard curriculum, which can lead to vastly different levels of knowledge and training. This course is designed to ensure that attendees have the basic knowledge necessary to successfully complete the written exam.”

The review course will encompass the six domains covered by the exam. Registrants will receive an NFOS ABO review handout to coincide with the various lecture topics. For details about the course curriculum, click here.

“The National Academy of Opticianry’s Career Progression Program provides core knowledge of the field,” Frezza explained. “However, nothing can compare with dynamic, live education because it provides the opportunity to discuss illustrations, slides, and printed information. It not only provides an opportunity to ask questions, but also to learn from other questions asked. All these elements have proven to be the most effective means of learning and preparing for comprehensive exams.”

Frezza added that the July 26 course is part of a broader initiative by the society. Known as Preparation Education, this initiative will include a variety of events and trainings specifically designed to help apprentices and students learn the art and science of opticianry.

“This ABO review course is the first part of this program,” she noted. “NYSSO will plan, host, and train apprentices on every aspect of ophthalmic dispensing with the goal of expanding the public’s access to licensed opticians and creating a path to change jobs into careers.”

The six-hour course is $140. For more information or to register visit nysso.org/review.