The OCPP consists of three volumes of independent, self-study chapters. The chapters are a comprehensive study of the background material and knowledge necessary for an individual to perform competently as an ophthalmic dispenser and to help prepare the ophthalmic dispenser for the National Opticianry Competency Examination administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and examinations for state licensure.

This home study program allows the participant the flexibility to progress at his/her own rate and eliminates the time and costs associated with traditional learning institutions.

Why should you participate in the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program? What can it do for you?

The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP) was the first contemporary, home study program designed to provide a thorough theoretical education in opticianry for those already working in the optical field.

While on-the-job training provides the practical knowledge to be an optician, it does not always supply the theoretical knowledge needed to become a fully qualified professional in the field. That is where the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program comes in.

The value of the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program has been recognized nationwide:

* as preparation for national certification and state licensure examinations;

* as a substantive reference by The National Apprenticeship and Training    Standards Committee for Ophthalmic Dispensing Opticians;

* as the core for several state opticianry apprenticeship programs; and

* as a primary training tool for opticians in many parts of the world, including Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

In short, the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program, in close interaction with your practical experience, allows you to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to have a successful career as a professional optician.

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Objectives

The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program has two (2) primary objectives:

* to increase the competency level of ophthalmic dispensers by providing educational opportunities for dispensers who are not attending formal academic programs; and

* to improve eyecare through increased knowledge, skill, and competency procedures.

Entrance & Completion Requirements

All applicants must (no exceptions will be made):

1. Be high school graduates, GED or foreign equivalent;
2. Be employed in an optical position;
3. Have a qualified sponsor.

Completion of the Academy’s OCPP Home Study Program requires:

1. Successful completion of monitored, multiple-choice examinations for each volume and a final examination. Students must score 70% or higher on each examination.

2. Demonstrated clinical competency as attested by his/her sponsor.

Time Frame

The Academy OCPP has an open-entry/open-exit policy. The maximum time allowed for completion of the OCPP is 36 months from the date the enrollment agreement is signed. Although no minimum time limit is set, the general minimum time to successfully complete the course is 12 months.

Credit

The OCPP curriculum contains much of the same subject matter offered by ophthalmic dispensing school programs; therefore, students may be able to receive college credits from some school ophthalmic dispensing programs. (Any such credit must be by independent arrangement between the student and the college.)

Upon successfully completing the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program, the American Board of Opticianry will grant credit towards its continuing education requirements. Some state licensing boards also grant credit for the OCPP. Students should contact their respective state licensing boards to determine if this type of credit is granted.

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Curriculum

VOLUME ONE:

Program Costs

The cost of the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program consists of tuition plus a nonrefundable application fee of $50. Tuition is $800 if paid in full at the time of enrollment. A monthly payment plan through automatic credit or debit card deductions is available to most applicants residing within the continental United States. Students residing in Hawaii, Alaska or outside the United States may be required to pay additional fees to cover costs of shipping OCPP volumes and exams.

Leave of Absence

Extensions of the 36-month program completion period may be granted upon written request by the student. In order to grant this extension, the Academy must be informed of the reason for the request, the amount of time required, and estimated rate of progress. This request must be approved by the student’s sponsor.

As long as a student maintains reasonable contact with the Academy and shows a steady rate of progress, he/she will be considered an “active” student in good standing.

Withdrawals & Drops

A student may withdraw from the OCPP at any time. A signed letter approved by the sponsor outlining the reason for withdrawal must be received by the Academy before processing of the withdrawal can occur.

Inactive students are defined as students who have not returned a completed lesson or contacted the Academy requesting a time extension for a period of over nine months. Students inactive for nine consecutive months who have exhausted their 36-month enrollment and who have not contacted the Academy or responded to inquiries may be dropped at any time from the program for lack of progress. Any such action will be preceded by a letter of warning from the Academy.

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Reinstatements

Withdrawn students may reinstate their enrollment. A $50 reinstatement fee will be charged before the student’s OCPP enrollment will be reactivated.

Tuition Assistance

The Academy’s Home Study Division does not offer scholarships and is not approved for government grants or loans. However, a payment plan is available.

Refund Policy

Students may cancel enrollment for any reason within five (5) calendar days after signing the enrollment agreement, and any down payment or tuition fees paid by the applicant except the $50 application fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made after this time.

All requests for cancellation must be in writing.

Correspondence regarding cancellation and settlement between the student and the Academy, banks, collection agencies, lawyers, or any other third persons representing the Academy, must clearly acknowledge the existence of the cancellation policy of the Academy.

Application Procedure

Return the completed Application for Enrollment and your Sponsor’s Registration Agreement with the required signatures to the Academy along with your $50 check, money order or credit card authorization for the nonrefundable application fee.

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Any misrepresentation of fact within this application form by the student is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

Once your application is accepted for enrollment, an Enrollment Agreement will be forwarded to you for your signature. The Enrollment Agreement must be returned to the Academy along with the enrollment fee (full tuition or down payment, if the monthly plan option is selected).

Manuals are shipped via UPS Ground Service within 10 to 14 working days following receipt of the Enrollment Agreement and fee. [Shipping arrangements for students residing in Hawaii, Alaska or outside the United States are made on a case-by-case basis.]

Note: If you change your name, address, sponsor or telephone number, please notify the Academy immediately. This will help keep our files up-to-date and assure accurate and timely correspondence.

 Click here to download the OCPP Application and Sponsor Agreement Forms

Office Hours & Contact Information

Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. We observe the usual Federal holidays.