NEW YORK--In the changing field of visioncare, more and more knowledge and skills are required of practitioners. In response to these demands, The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) developed a program focusing specifically on the advanced level of education needed for ophthalmic dispensing. This 16-hour program, "The ABO Advanced Review Workshop" is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 and Friday March 11.

Upon completing the program, professionals with advanced certification credentials will be equipped to work in a variety of practice settings--university hospitals, commercial offices, HMO/managed care offices, optometric offices, large clinics and optical product manufacturers.

The program, written by well-respected authorities, is the most rigorous level of study available in the opticianry profession. Nationally recognized speakers, Diane F. Drake, Michael R. DiSanto, and William B. Underwood will conduct the program. The curriculum will challenge a dispenser's ability to reason, analyze information and recall specific facts.

Some of the areas of study covered include: Anatomy and Physiology, Refraction, Ophthalmic Optics, Geometric and Applied Optics, Patient Communication, Fitting, Ordering and Fabrication, Verification and Dispensing, Business Management and Human Resources and Physical Management.

For more information on the NAO, visit their website at www.nao.org.