ABO/NCLE Changed Certification Process for Next Year (2016)

In a recent email, the ABO-NCLE said that starting January 2016, it is changing certification renewal requirements. It will apply to all three-year certificates (certifications) that expire in 2016. Here are the new renewal requirements, as described by ABO/NCLE:

• ABO Certification Renewal: $85 renewal fee and completion of 12 ABO and/or NCLE approved CECs [continuing education credits], of which at least 6 hours are ABO approved technical CECs.
• NCLE Certification Renewal: $85 renewal fee and completion of 18 ABO and/or NCLE approved CECs, of which at least 9 hours are NCLE approved technical CECs.
• ABO & NCLE (Joint) Certification Renewal: $85 renewal fee for each certification and completion of 21 ABO and/or NCLE approved CECs, of which at least 5 hours of must be ABO approved technical CECs and at least 6 hours must be NCLE approved technical CECs.

"If you are licensed in a state that requires continuing education for license renewal, all you need to do is provide a copy of your current license, with your $85 payment, per certification. In order to maintain your ABO and/or NCLE Advanced & Masters Designation Renewal: $85 renewal fee for each certification and at least one-third of your required credits, as described above, must be Approved Level II or III CECs." Need more information? Contact ABO/NCLE on its certification webpage.

ABO/NCLE Ends Grace Period for Certification

ABO/NCLE has ended its grace period for opticians who wish to remain ABO and/or NCLE certified. Here's a copy of the notice that has been emailed to opticians.

This notice is to advise you that your ABO and/or NCLE certification is going to expire on 12/31/2013.  This is the absolute last date for you to complete all of your credits and your payment due for re-certification and to submit documentation showing proof of completion of the required number of CECs.  There is no 4th year, suspension year, late fee period, or grace period [the blog's emphasis].  If you do not submit your appropriate credits and payment(s) due by 12/31/2013, your certification will expire, and you will be required to re-take the examination(s) in order to become ABO and/or NCLE Certified again.  There are no exceptions [ABO/NCLE emphasis].

To renew your certification through 12/31/2016, you must:

1.) Complete the required number of hours of continuing education on or before December 31, 2013. ABO Certified: 12 ABO approved CECs (up to 3 may be NCLE approved). NCLE Certified: 18 NCLE approved CECs (up to 6 may be ABO approved). ABO & NCLE Certified: 21 CECs total (9 ABO approved and 12 NCLE approved).

2.)  Submit your CECs or proof of current state licensed (only if your state requires continuing education to renew) by December 31, 2013.  The ABO renewal fee is $85.  The NCLE renewal fee is $85.

You worked hard to earn your certification, don't let it slip away!

OpticalCEUs Announces Its Fall 2012 Seminar for Opticians

You asked, we listened …

Since 1999, we’ve provided opticians with quality continuing education courses and fun at a great value. This year F.E. Enterprises has a full-day, 7-credit program at the GRAND PEQUOT BALLROOM, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, October 28.  In response to attendee requests, we’ve added a more comfortable learning environment to accompany our complimentary hot lunch buffet in the luxurious Grand Pequot Ballroom conference space.

Accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease and Joe Forte will present ABO and NCLE accredited courses. You can apply the credit from all courses toward your state license and your ABO/NCLE certification.

For 14 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador and member of CLSA's University Review Committee, has provided continuing education for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, has a BS from Fairfield University and was a columnist for EyeWitness magazine.

Deborah, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, writes, edits and presents ABO seminars related to best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned an optical business and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica.  Deborah is certified by the ABO and NCLE.

Joe lectured at CUNY Tech, specializing in contact lenses and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics.  He has lectured at Vision Expo and Optifair.  He is currently director of contact lens services for Raymond Opticians.

Every year attendees enjoy the Foxwoods experience for continuing education and access to casino fun.  We provide the best value for quality seminars in a first-class venue.   Full-day, half-day and per course rates are available.  Join us for lunch when you take any course.  Seminars usually sell out, so reserve by October 19.

Foxwoods is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut  06338, on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95.  Valet parking is free.  For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG.  Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.