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PURE OPTICS
Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCLEC, LDO
Chairperson American Board of Opticianry
Renowned International Speaker and Author

ORDER YOUR PURE OPTICS TEXTBOOK TODAY & RECEIVE FREE PRIORITY USA SHIPPING
Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCLEC, LDO
Chairperson American Board of Opticianry
Renowned International Speaker and Author


Phernell Walker is reshaping how opticians are educated and trained. As Chairperson of the American Board of Opticianry.
His signature achievement is the Pure Optics textbook, which has become the go-to resource for students preparing for ABO certification exams. But beyond the textbook, Phernell is an internationally sought-after speaker who brings complex optical concepts to life—making advanced material not just understandable, but genuinely compelling. His CE courses draw practitioners from around the world who appreciate his ability to connect theory with real-world practice.
Phernell's credentials reflect his commitment to excellence: an MBA and BS in Business provide strategic perspective, while dual certifications (ABOC, NCLEC) and his Washington LDO license ground him in clinical practice. Yet what truly sets him apart is his genuine passion for elevating the entire profession, through mentorship, education, and his influential work shaping industry standards.

Phernell's contributions to eye care education and the opticianry profession have earned him some of the industry's most prestigious honors. In 2017, he received both the Educator of the Year Award from the National Academy of Opticianry and the Joseph Bruneni Award in Optics from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, a recognition that speaks to his influence on how the next generation learns. Earlier, the Beverly Myers Achievement Award in Ophthalmic Optics (2011) acknowledged his pioneering work in advancing the field's knowledge and standards.
Beyond professional excellence, Phernell's humanitarian commitment has been recognized through the Helen Keller Benefactor Award (2019) from the Sight and Hearing Foundation in Oregon, honoring his dedicated work making ophthalmic optics education accessible and transformative for underserved communities.
Most recently, Phernell was honored by Silmo a Paris with a Special Recognition Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), a fitting tribute to a career defined by dedication, innovation, and the global transformation of opticianry education and service.
Pass the ABO Exam. Master Your Craft. Build Your Career.
For nearly two decades, Pure Optics has been the trusted standard for opticians serious about their certification. The 2023 Third Edition is the most comprehensive, current resource available—giving you everything you need to pass the American Board of Opticianry exams with confidence.
Written by Phernell Walker (Chair of the ABO itself), this isn't just another study guide. It's the distilled expertise of someone who understands exactly what the exams test and how to teach it. Every concept is explained clearly, every topic is covered completely, and thousands of students worldwide have used these methods to achieve their certification goals.
Whether you're launching your career or advancing to specialty credentials, Pure Optics gives you the competitive edge. You'll understand the principles behind the practice—not just memorize facts. That's the difference between passing an exam and becoming an exceptional optician.
Join thousands of certified opticians who started with Pure Optics.
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State Optical Societies (pdf)
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