Optical Equipment Training

Master the essential instruments every optician must know. These skills are critical for the ABO/NCLE exams and daily practice.

ABO Exam Alert

The ABO certification exam includes a practical component where you must demonstrate proficiency with optical equipment. The computerized exam simulates real equipment that you must operate correctly. Understanding how these instruments work is essential for passing.

  • Lensometer: You'll neutralize lenses and identify prescription values
  • Keratometer: You'll measure corneal curvature and identify K-readings
  • Slit Lamp: NCLE exam includes biomicroscopy evaluation

Choose Your Training Module

🔬

Lensometer (Focimeter)

Essential

Learn to measure lens power, find optical centers, detect prism, and verify prescriptions accurately.

Topics covered:

Parts and controls identification
Focusing the eyepiece
Neutralizing single vision lenses
Measuring cylinder power and axis
Finding the optical center
Detecting and measuring prism
+2 more...
Estimated time: 45 minStart Training
🎯

Keratometer (Ophthalmometer)

Essential

Master corneal curvature measurement for contact lens fitting and astigmatism assessment.

Topics covered:

Principles of keratometry
Parts and controls
Patient positioning
Mire alignment technique
Reading K-values and axis
Understanding corneal astigmatism
+2 more...
Estimated time: 40 minStart Training
💡

Slit Lamp Biomicroscope

Essential

Examine anterior eye structures, evaluate contact lens fits, and detect ocular conditions.

Topics covered:

Parts and controls
Illumination techniques
Magnification selection
Systematic examination routine
Contact lens fit evaluation
Using fluorescein
+2 more...
Estimated time: 60 minStart Training
👁️

Phoropter (Refractor)

Advanced

Understand the manual phoropter for refraction verification and prescription checking.

Topics covered:

Parts and controls
Setting up for a patient
Sphere and cylinder dials
Axis adjustment
Prism controls
Cross-cylinder technique basics
+2 more...
Estimated time: 50 minStart Training
🕶️

Trial Frame & Lenses

Advanced

Learn trial frame refraction techniques and when to use trial lenses over a phoropter.

Topics covered:

Trial frame components
Adjusting for the patient
Lens insertion order
Trial lens sets
Advantages over phoropter
High astigmatism verification
+2 more...
Estimated time: 35 minStart Training
📊

Visual Acuity Testing

Essential

Master visual acuity measurement techniques including Snellen, LogMAR, and special charts.

Topics covered:

Snellen chart principles
LogMAR charts
Testing distance setup
Recording notation
Pinhole testing
Near vision testing
+2 more...
Estimated time: 30 minStart Training

Tips for Equipment Mastery

📚

Learn the Theory First

Understand the optical principles behind each instrument before practicing. Know why you're doing each step.

🎯

Practice Systematically

Develop a consistent routine for each instrument. Same steps, same order, every time. This builds speed and accuracy.

🔄

Verify Your Work

Always double-check measurements. Re-neutralize lenses, re-read K-values. Accuracy is more important than speed.

Ready to Practice Calculations Too?

Complement your equipment training with our calculation practice tools.