Optometry Staff Development &
Certification Preparation
CPO™ and ABO Basic Exam prep courses for individuals, practices, and growing teams.
Certification Pathways
Structured learning designed to help you prepare for CPO™ and ABO Basic certification exams with confidence.
Career Growth
Expand your knowledge, strengthen your skills, and support long-term career growth in eye care.
Study Tools
Access practice quizzes, interactive activities, flashcards, and learning resources that reinforce success.
Our platform helps you master concepts relevant to your specific career needs for successful learning outcomes. Its flexible, user-friendly digital interface allows you to study anywhere at your convenience, using virtually any electronic or mobile device.
Choose the Training Option That Fits Your Needs
Flexible online certification-preparation programs for individual learners and eye care practices.
Individual Learner
Perfect for individuals advancing their eye care career.
CPO™ Prep Course or ABO Basic Exam Prep
- One certification-prep course
- Flashcards for the selected course
- Self-paced online learning
- 365 days of unlimited access
- Interactive quizzes and study resources
- Certificate of Completion
- Both certification-prep courses
- Both flashcard collections
- Leader Dashboard
- Enroll learners in courses
- Track learner progress
- Purchase additional seats from a dashboard
Practice License
Ideal for practices purchasing one selected training program for individual team members.
CPO™ Prep Course or ABO Basic Exam Prep
- One certification-prep course
- Flashcards for the selected course
- Practice-sponsored learner access
- Self-paced online learning
- 365 days of unlimited access
- Interactive quizzes and study resources
- Certificate of Completion
- Both certification-prep courses
- Both flashcard collections
- Leader Dashboard
- Enroll learners from a dashboard
- Track learner progress
- Purchase additional seats from a dashboard
Complete Practice Bundle
The complete training solution for practices providing both certification-preparation programs.
Both courses, both flashcard collections, and the Leader Dashboard
- CPO™ Prep Course
- ABO Basic Exam Prep
- CPO™ Prep Flashcards
- ABO Basic Flashcards
- Self-paced online learning
- 365 days of unlimited access
- Interactive quizzes and study resources
- Certificates of Completion
✓ Includes Leader Dashboard
- Enroll learners in courses
- Track learner progress
- View learner completion activity
- Manage team training from one dashboard
What's Included
Digital Flash Cards
Effortlessly improve your ability to study and master new skills with our cutting-edge digital flash cards. Hundreds of terms, definitions and concepts at your fingertips on your mobile device. With our innovative technology, you can learn smarter, not harder, and achieve your goals faster than ever before.
Practice Questions
Gain unlimited access to our extensive question bank filled with a multitude of practice questions - the perfect tool to help you prepare for success!
Study Aids
Revolutionize your optician test prep with gamification study aids. Get ahead with engaging and interactive learning.
Video Lectures
Explore our comprehensive collection of lecture videos that delve deep into every concept you need to master for a thorough understanding.
Printable Materials
Enhance your learning with our printable materials featuring vivid graphics, thoughtfully curated tables, and dynamic study aids that are guaranteed to boost your skills.
Resource Library
We understand that everyone learns differently, so we've taken the time to curate a collection of PDF resources from various reputable sources to cater to a range of learning styles and preferences. These resources are sure to enhance your understanding and enrich your learning experience.
What’s Included in Sharon Carter’s Technical Learning for Opticians?
- Major Parts of the Eye
- The Cornea
- The Conjunctiva
- The Sclera
- The Anterior and Posterior Chambers
- The Iris and Pupil
- The Ciliary Body
- The Crystalline Lens
- The Choroid
- The Retina
- The Tear Layer
- The Eyelids
- The Extra Ocular Muscles
- The Orbit
- The Visual Pathway
- Optical Concepts
- The Nature of Light
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Prism Power and Curvature
- Focal Points, Distances and Vergences
- The Normal (Emmetropic) Eye
- The Farsighted Eye
- The Nearsighted Eye
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
- The Plus Lens
- The Minus Lens
- The Sphero-cylinder Lens
- Comparing Lens Materials
- How to Use the Lensometer
- Neutralizing Single Vision Lenses
- Neutralizing Spherocylindrical Lenses
- Neutralizing Progressive Lenses
- Optical Performance
- The Doctor’s Prescription
- The Laboratory Order
- The Route Your Rx Travels Through the Laboratory
- Customer Service
- Surfacing Department
- Finishing Department
- Styles
- Lens Enhancements
- Lifestyle Considerations
- Rx Evaluation
- Presentation Process
- Facial Measurements
- Frame Selection
- Frame Measurements
- Decentration
- Frame Materials and Styles
- Frame Selection for Cosmetics and Fit
- Frame Alignment Process
- Standard Alignment
- Nose Pad Alignment
- Readjustments
- Alignment When Dispensing
- Pathology vs. Vision
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Corneal Pathologies
- Retinal Pathologies
- Other Ocular Pathologies
- Diseases that Affect Vision
- Pathology Recognition
- Medications that Affect Vision
- Common Optical Terms and Abbreviations
Be in Demand with Our Professional Training
We all have dreams of things we want to do and of who we want to be. We want to help you get there. Let our training help you achieve your dreams.
Enhancing your skills and knowledge base demonstrates your commitment to your profession, and it can pay dividends in the form of promotions, pay raises, and increased job satisfaction.
By proactively investing in yourself, you will develop a higher degree of confidence, improved productivity, and a sharper sense of direction to achieve your desired goals.
Take the time to invest in yourself and your career development and you will be setting yourself up for long-term success and growth.
Welcome to our esteemed virtual environment. We are pleased to present to you the premier learning platform for optometry, that will enable your team to acquire the best knowledge to improve their skills. Join our program and get your team on the right path to a bright and fulfilling optometric career today!
Sharon Carter has over 30 years of optometric experience including working as an office manager, sales and training for an optometric software company and consulting for private practices. For more than 15 years Sharon has been speaking and motivating staff at state association meetings, national and international conferences. Sharon is excited to give you access to staff training and development, performance improvement and ultimately practice growth, through an online platform!
Industry Partners
Certification Examination Disclaimer
Sharon Carter University’s certification-preparation courses, practice examinations, self-assessments, and study materials are independently developed educational resources.These materials are not prerequisites for taking the ABO certification examinations administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners, or the Certified Paraoptometric (CPO™) examination administered by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC).
The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners, the American Optometric Association, and the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification have not selected, developed, sponsored, endorsed, or approved these courses, review materials, practice examinations, or self-assessments.Completing a course or achieving a passing score on any accompanying practice examination or self-assessment does not guarantee eligibility for or successful completion of any certification examination. Learners are responsible for reviewing the current eligibility requirements, examination content outlines, policies, fees, and application procedures published by the applicable certifying organization.
The CPO™ examination is prepared and administered by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification, with testing assistance from Professional Testing Corporation. AOA certification informatio