Qualifications for examination and licensing as dispensing optician; regulations governing licensing of apprentice dispensing optician.
1. To qualify for examination and licensing as a dispensing optician, an applicant must furnish proof that he:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age.
(b) Is of good moral character.
(c) Is a citizen of the United States, or is lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States.
(d) Is a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent.
(e) Has passed the examination of the American Board of Opticianry.
(f) Has done either of the following:
(1) Served as an apprentice dispensing optician for not less than 3 years in an optical establishment where prescriptions for spectacles or contact lenses from given formulae are fitted and filled under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist for the purpose of acquiring experience in ophthalmic dispensing and has passed an educational program on the theory of ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Board; or
(2) Successfully completed a course of study in a school which offers a degree of associate in applied science for studies in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Board and has had 1 year of ophthalmic experience as an apprentice dispensing optician under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist.
(g) Has done all of the following:
(1) Successfully completed a course of instruction on the fitting of contact lenses approved by the Board;
(2) Completed at least 100 hours of training and experience in the fitting of and filling of prescriptions for contact lenses under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician authorized to fit and fill prescriptions for contact lenses, a licensed ophthalmologist or a licensed optometrist;
(3) Passed the Contact Lens Registry Examination of the National Committee of Contact Lens Examiners; and
(4) Passed the practical examination on the fitting of and filling of prescriptions for contact lenses adopted by the Board.
2. The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section, including, without limitation, regulations that establish requirements for:
(a) The program of apprenticeship for apprentice dispensing opticians;
(b) The training and experience of apprentice dispensing opticians; and
(c) The issuance of licenses to apprentice dispensing opticians.
Last modified: February 27, 2006