About the Program Course Content
Course will explore the following content.
- Structured Mentorship & Onboarding: Pair new hires with experienced staff to teach specific, professional skills rather than just operational tasks.
- Encourage Certification: Actively support, or pay for, certification exams to boost confidence and standardize professional knowledge.
- Cross-Training: Train staff in multiple areas to improve workflow, enhance understanding of the patient journey, and ensure operational continuity.
- Regular Meetings and Feedback: Hold regular, scheduled meetings with agendas to discuss clinical updates, new techniques, and provide constructive feedback on performance.
- Career Pathing: Create defined, professional tiers for staff—moving from novice to senior technologist—which helps boost job satisfaction and retention.
- Define Clear Roles & Goals: Ensure all members understand their specific responsibilities, but also how their work impacts the overall team.
- Leadership Modeling: Leaders must lead by example, exhibiting professional behavior and diligence.
- Focus on Patient Experience: Emphasize that professional growth directly improves patient safety and satisfaction.
- Celebrate Achievements: Publicly recognize professional certifications and milestones to boost morale
Instructor qualifications
- Certification Preparation: Equip trainees to pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams.
- Opticianry Knowledge: Develop comprehensive understanding of human eye anatomy, pathology, vision defects, and the theory of refraction.
- Technical Skills Proficiency: Train staff to read, analyze, and neutralize prescriptions (lensometry), including PALs (progressive addition lenses) and prisms.
- Frame/Lens Dispensing: Master the ability to select, measure, and adjust frames, as well as recommend lenses based on patient lifestyle (vocational/avocational needs).
- Clinical Pre-testing: Perform accurate medical pre-testing, including visual acuity, tonometry, corneal topography, and fundus photography.
- Customer Service Excellence: Enhance patient experience through clear communication, professional etiquette, and effective problem-solving for difficult prescriptions or repairs.
- Business Operations: Familiarize team members with inventory management, electronic medical record (EMR) systems, and third-party vision plans.
- Teamwork and Compliance: Foster collaborative, safe work practices that meet state regulations and quality control standards
Ruby Garcia, ABOC & NCLEC State Licensed Optician
First up, we have Ruby Garcia, a highly experienced ABOC & NCLEC State Licensed Optician based in California. With over 20 years of experience in the field and an impressive 25 years of teaching under her belt, Ruby brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Not only does she hold an MBA from Purdue University, but she is also currently pursuing her PhD in Business. Ruby's extensive experience and academic background make her a valuable asset to the course, offering students a unique perspective on the optical industry.
Bobby Davarnejad, Advanced ABOC & NCLEC Licensed Optician
Next, we have Bobby D, an Advanced ABOC & NCLEC Licensed Optician hailing from Nevada. With over two decades of experience working with and managing his personal optical business, Bobby brings a hands-on approach to teaching. His practical insights and real-world experience add a dynamic element to the course, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. Bobby's passion for the optical field and his commitment to excellence make him a standout instructor, dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to succeed.
Rene Petris ABOC State Licensed Optician
Lastly, we have Rene Petris, an ABOC State Licensed Optician with a decade of experience in California. Specializing in managing opticians and guiding them to become licensed professionals, Rene brings a unique perspective to the course. His focus on mentorship and professional development sets him apart as an instructor, offering students valuable insights into career growth and advancement in the optical industry. With Rene's guidance, students can expect to not only learn the fundamentals of opticianry but also gain valuable mentorship to help them excel in their future careers.
Learning Objectives
- Student Surveys (Quantitative & Qualitative): Distribute anonymous surveys asking about the instructor's ability to simplify tough topics, use of visual aids for diagrams, and preparedness.