Consumer and Media Information
To The Consumer of Optical Products:
Every day, millions of Americans put their eyes in trusted hands. They rely on the experience of eye care professionals to recommend and provide them with the best possible care. They know that eye conditions, if left undetected or untreated, can potentially lead to serious consequences (e.g., physical discomfort, permanent eye damage, disability and disease.)Unfortunately, many consumers assume that the dispenser providing the service has all the necessary training to offer the best quality eye care. They do not realize that all eye care is not the same and not all optical product dispensers have the knowledge to accurately fill an eye doctor prescription.
The American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO/NCLE) is an organization that stands for quality eye care. These non-profit certification boards develop, administer and monitor the national certification programs for opticians and contact lens technicians. They certify those individuals who have attained an established level of knowledge and skill necessary to safely dispense eye wear.
The ABO/NCLE is raising consumer awareness about the importance of using an ABO/NCLE certified optician or contact lens technician. In asking for certified dispensers, consumers are assured that they are receiving the highest quality eye care by professionals nationally recognized for their standards of excellence.
The ABO/NCLE encourage all dispensers of optical products and services to get national certification. Certification is achieved by examination and maintained through continuing education approved by the ABO/NLCE and available to opticians across the country.
As a consumer, you have the right to ask if your eyewear or contact lens dispenser is nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry and/or the National Contact Lens Examiners. The Federal Trade Commission has a regulation which requires eye doctors to give consumers a copy of their prescription. Consumers have the right to have their prescription filled at the optical dispensary of their choice.
Look for the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners seal of approval on the doors of your chosen optical shop. The certified dispensers will have their certificates on display with a current date of renewal seal attached.
For more information on ABO/NCLE certification for opticians 703-719-5800.
Click ABO/NCLE to go directly to the site.
Staff
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DR. ELLEN P. CROTHERS, OPTOMETRISTdrc@arboreye.com
Dr. Ellen Pearman Crothers was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Alto High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998. After that, Ellen attended the University of Houston College of Optometry where she achieved a Doctor of Optometry degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002. While attending the University of Houston, she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society. Dr. Crothers completed an internship at the Montrose Clinic in Houston, where she gained valuable experience working with patients suffering from HIV and AIDS. Upon graduation, she worked as a relief doctor in the Austin area for 3 years before deciding to open her own private optometric practice. She is an active participant in the InfantSEE program, and she is a member of the Central Texas Optometric Society. Ellen enjoys exercise, reading all kinds of literature, cross stitching, sewing, and not cooking!
FRANK CROTHERS, A.B.O.C., frank@arboreye.com Frank Crothers, Jr. has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Austin Community College. He looks forward to completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. He is certified as an optician by the American Board of Opticianry since 1998. Frank has worked in every position in the modern optometric office, including: optician, lab technician, lab manager, and office manager. He enjoys cooking, following the stock market, football, mountain bike riding, & hanging out with his dog, Buddy.
KELLY PEARMAN, A.B.O.C., kelly@arboreye.com Kelly was born and raised in East Texas. She moved to Austin, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise & sports science from Southwest Texas State University in 2002. Kelly is certified by the American Board of Opticianry. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, family and friends, and being outdoors.
PRESTON KIM, A.B.O.C.,
preston@arboreye.com
Preston Minho Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Texas in 1989. He has three older sisters and a room-full of nephews and nieces. He graduated from Copperas Cove High School and attended Central Texas College and Texas State University. He is fluent in Korean and certified as an optician by the American Board of Opticianry. Preston enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and anything outdoors. He is a HUGE Texas Longhorns sports fan. He's been with Arbor Eye Center since 2007.
CALLIE JONES, A.B.O.C., callie@arboreye.com Callie was born and raised in Austin, and she currently attends college where she pursues a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. Callie is certified by the American Board of Opticianry. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, outdoor activities, and preparing for the holidays with decorating and art projects. GO LOCAL! GO GREEN! GO HORNS! |
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Arbor Eye Center, P.A.
13343 U.S. Highway 183 North, Ste. 260
Austin, TX 78750
512-258-2120
arboreyecenter@yahoo.com
