Best ABO & NCLE Study Materials: Books, Courses & Resources
Honest reviews of the top study materials to help you pass your optician certification exams.
Quick Recommendations
Best Overall: Online course + practice tests + System textbook
Budget Option: Free resources + used textbook + practice tests
Fast Track: Intensive online course with practice exams
How We Evaluated Materials
We assessed each resource based on content coverage, accuracy, price, user reviews, and how well it aligns with current ABO and NCLE exam content. We've talked to hundreds of opticians about what worked for them.
Online Courses
OpticianStudy
Comprehensive ABO & NCLE Prep
- 52 chapters covering all ABO & NCLE topics
- 300+ interactive lessons with visuals
- 500+ practice questions with explanations
- Progress tracking and study plans
Laramy-K Optical
In-person and online workshops
- • Well-established, industry-recognized program
- • Hands-on learning options available
- • Good for visual/kinesthetic learners
- • Higher price point
OAA (Opticians Association of America)
Career development courses
- • Official industry organization
- • CE credit courses available
- • Membership benefits and networking
- • More focused on practicing opticians
Textbooks
System for Ophthalmic Dispensing (Brooks & Borish)
Industry StandardThe definitive textbook for optician education
- • Comprehensive coverage of all dispensing topics
- • Used by most optician training programs
- • Detailed explanations and illustrations
- • Dense—best used as a reference alongside other materials
$80-150 (new), $40-80 (used)
Clinical Optics (Troy Fannin)
Great for understanding optical principles
- • Clear explanations of optics concepts
- • Good illustrations and diagrams
- • Helpful for ABO math sections
$60-100
Contact Lenses (Anthony Phillips)
Essential for NCLE preparation
- • Comprehensive contact lens coverage
- • Fitting procedures and troubleshooting
- • Updated information on materials
$70-120
Practice Tests
Practice tests are essential for exam success. They help you identify weak areas and get comfortable with the question format.
ABO-NCLE Official Practice Tests
From the exam creators
- • Most accurate representation of actual exam
- • Limited number of questions
- • Available through ABO-NCLE website
~$30 each
OpticianStudy Practice Questions
500+ questions with detailed explanations
- • Questions aligned with current exam content
- • Detailed explanations for every answer
- • Track progress and identify weak areas
- • Included with subscription
Included in subscription
Free Resources
YouTube Channels
- • Various optician educators share free content
- • Good for visual learners
- • Quality varies—stick to reputable channels
- • Search "ABO exam prep" or "optician training"
ABO-NCLE Website
- • Official exam content outlines
- • Exam registration information
- • Candidate handbook with study tips
- • Sample questions
Manufacturer Training
- • Essilor, Zeiss, and other lens companies offer free courses
- • Contact lens manufacturers provide fitting guides
- • Some count toward CE credits
- • Product-focused but educational
Recommended Study Combinations
Best Value Combo
- 1. OpticianStudy online course ($79/year)
- 2. Used System textbook (~$50)
- 3. Official practice test ($30)
- Total: ~$160
Budget-Friendly Combo
- 1. Free YouTube videos and manufacturer training
- 2. Library copy of System textbook (free)
- 3. Official practice test ($30)
- Total: ~$30
Comprehensive Combo
- 1. OpticianStudy online course ($79/year)
- 2. New System textbook ($120)
- 3. Contact Lens textbook for NCLE ($90)
- 4. Both official practice tests ($60)
- Total: ~$350
Ready to Start Studying?
Try our first chapter free. See why OpticianStudy is trusted by thousands of aspiring opticians.
Start Free ChapterTips for Choosing Materials
Consider your learning style: Visual learners benefit from videos, while readers may prefer textbooks.
Check publication dates: Optics doesn't change, but lens materials and designs do. Use current resources.
Don't overbuy: One good course plus practice tests is often enough. More materials doesn't mean better results.
Prioritize practice tests: These are the most important preparation tool. Don't skip them.