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Optical Assistant

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  • optical students
  • optical students

Optical Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Are you interested in the Optical Assistant Apprenticeship program but feel you need more than just technical skills to succeed?

This free, six-week course is designed to help you build the essential clerical and workplace skills needed to thrive as an Optical Assistant. You'll develop typing, data entry, and filing skills, practice customer service through role-playing, and learn about the responsibilities of a Dispensing Optician.

The course also covers essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and collaboration. You'll review basic math, explore job search strategies, and create a professional resume and cover letter.

This course is a great place to start if you're entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, or exploring a new career path.

 

optical pre-apprenticeship students and graduate

Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Training Program

The Optical Assistant Apprenticeship Training Program is your pathway to a rewarding career in the growing field of eye care. This comprehensive, no-cost program prepares you for entry-level positions such as dispensing optician, optical assistant, and ophthalmic technician—all vital in supporting patients with their vision needs and ensuring smooth operation within eye care clinics, private practices, and retail optical centers.

As a dispensing optician, you’ll help customers select the proper eyewear based on prescriptions and lifestyle needs, take measurements for proper fit, and provide guidance on lens options. You may also work closely with eye doctors to interpret prescriptions and ensure patients receive the best vision solutions possible.

As an optical assistant, your role may include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, performing clerical tasks, assisting with frame selection, and maintaining accurate patient records. This role is a great starting point for someone interested in healthcare and customer service.

As an ophthalmic technician, you’ll support ophthalmologists by conducting preliminary eye exams, collecting patient histories, and operating diagnostic equipment. This position requires additional training and can be a stepping stone toward more advanced clinical roles.

While certification is not required for all of these positions, most students follow our recommendation to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exam upon completing the program. Earning your ABO certification demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the field and can lead to increased earning potential and career advancement.

 

 

 

For Class Dates and Schedule please refer to our current brochure.

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

Optical Orientation:

September 24, 2025

January 21, 2026

3:00pm – 4:00pm on Zoom

Enrollment is now open. This course is offered at no cost.
To get started, call 925-335-5890 or email Alisia Swafford (aswafford@martinez.k12.ca.us) for more information.

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 students
  • optical students

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