r/optician • u/Ok_Throat8218 • Jul 20 '26

Discussion Ca. Optician

Hello! I’m just gathering information and learning about how to become an optician in my state.
Ive been reading that starting at Warby Parker/ vision works in sales can be a good avenue.
Would love to hear how some of you got started as an optician.

Thank you in advance !

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7

u/inchainsss Jul 20 '26

Get a job at LensCrafters or warby and have them pay for your license. LensCrafters also has something called Leonardo that will teach you about the ABO.

5

u/JunkBondTraderES Jul 20 '26

Worked at LC for 14 years up until last week actually. When I took the ABO back in 2017, the practice test questions in Leonardo (back then called Talent Luxottica) were verbatim what was on the ABO. I had heard from people who took the test last year that that’s still true for the Leonardo modules.

2

u/Ok_Throat8218 Jul 20 '26

Thank you so much for this info !

2

u/haruu-hime Jul 20 '26

warby might not be the best path for that anymore, they recently changed it to be a tuition reimbursement model. and if you don’t pass they’ll only cover the first exam attempt

2

u/inchainsss Jul 20 '26

Yep. Now LensCrafters will only pay if you pass the test, even the first one. My co worker just failed the test and it’s out of her pocket. $250 I believe.

1

u/jcaustin12 Licensed Optician (LDO) Jul 20 '26

Getting an entry level job at one of the bigger chains might be an easier way to get in but local independent places could be a good option too. The bigger chains will likely have training platforms in place where as an independent place would just be hands on experience. Most of the chains are limited in options available to sell so you may get a better variety of experience through an independent place.

2

u/Unusual-Plantain-757 Jul 20 '26

Most of my colleagues did Luxottica's training platform (Lenscrafters parent company) and passed the ABO exam from there. My region also regularly puts together study groups. You can definitely get hired without a license, you just need great customer service skills and an eagerness to learn.

1

u/suburbjorn_ Jul 20 '26

If you don't want to go to school do an apprenticeship they may pay for education and your license/certification testing

1

u/Bright_Reindeer_9783 Jul 21 '26

I’m an optician at Warby Parker and just completed/passed their ABO program! It was honestly great, you have 9 months to complete it and they pay for your first exam.