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  2. Optical Assistant

Optical Assistant

  • Optical
    The Optical Industry is an ever growing industry that has a need for essential workers who are passionate about helping others by rewarding them with the gift of sight, comfort, and fashion.

Suzy Turcios-Wilson,Suzy Turcios-Wilson, ABOC, has been in the field of optics since 1978 and has been teaching at Martinez Adult Education since 1996. She continues to work in the field as the Safety Eyewear Dispenser at several sites in the Bay Area. Suzy has her Associate of Arts degree from Diablo Valley College and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Communications from San Francisco State University.

ABOC

Martinez Adult Education will pay for the ABO certification upon successful completion of the course. The certification cost is $175. Please call for details and for enrollment requirements.

Optical Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Are you interested in the Optical Assistant
Apprenticeship program but feel you need more
than technical skills to succeed as an Optical
Assistant? This no-cost, six-week course will focus
on clerical skills such as typing, data entry, and
filing. You will practice your customer service skills
with focused role-plays and work on industryspecific
tasks such as fitting and adjusting
glasses. The course will review basic math, analyze
emotional intelligence, and introduce job search
essentials. This course is perfect for anyone looking
to join the workforce for the first time, re-enter
the workforce, or change careers.
Hybrid classes in-person meet 5-8pm:
Spring 3/4 - 4/18
Summer 6/3 - 7/11

Optical Assistant Training Program
The Optical Assistant Training Program will prepare
you to work as dispensing opticians, optical
assistants, or ophthalmic technicians. Although
not mandatory, most students follow our
recommendation and take the American Board
of Opticianry (ABO) exam. Once a student is
certified they usually see an increase in salary and
advancement. Call for details and enrollment
process 925-335-5890, or email Alisia Swafford
aswafford@martinez.k12.ca.us. This course is
offered at no-cost.
Start Dates: 3/5, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7
End Dates: TBD
Details provided during orientation

You must attend an orientation before registering for the Optical Assistant Training Program.

Optical Orientation: April 23rd. 2025

For more information please call 925-335-5890 or email Alisia Swafford aswafford@martinez.k12.ca.us
                                                           

 

Optical Program"This class has helped me to understand the procedures of dispensing and all the technical aspects. Experience may be the best teacher but this education has helped me really grasp why we do things a certain way. My experience has been so positive. Suzy is knowledgeable and has a passion for her profession. The staff at Martinez Adult Ed are all friendly and ready to help. Although I am already working in the field of optics, I am so pleased I made the decision to pursue education.

 I have learned so much!"
-Amanda Urnberg