Dispensing Opticians

Exam

Third-party exam

Education

Specific course

Experience

Experience

Background check

Required

DISPENSING OPTICIANS <br><br>Opticians make and dispense eyeglasses/contact lenses from a doctor's prescription. They can also fit eye glasses to the face. They do not write prescriptions or fit contacts to the eyes. <br><br>REQUIREMENTS: <br>Be 18 years of age and satisfy education and experience and examination requirements. <br><br>EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:<br> Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: Completion of a two-year course of study in a college level program accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation <BR><br>OR<br> Three years as a full-time registered apprentice with the Board. <br><br>EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS: <br>There are four (4) required examinations. (Passing scores are listed after names.) The National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO), 70; and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE), 72 are written examinations provided through the American Board of Opticianry. Two practical examinations are provided by the Board. The examinations require competency in the use of the Lensclock, 70 and the Vertometer, 70. <br><br>CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: <br>Annual continuing education is required. The education must consist of attendance at programs which have been approved by the Board. The number of hours acquired is established by the Board annually on or before February 1 of the calendar year and may not be less than three (3) clock hours or more than twelve (12) clock hours, but is traditionally set at eight (8) hours. <br><br>RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS: <br>Every two years contingent on satisfying continuing education requirements.