Dispensing Opticians

Certification or Licensing

Approximately 20 states and Puerto Rico currently require dispensing opticians to be licensed. Licensing requires meeting certain educational standards and passing a written examination. Some states require a practical, hands-on examination. To find out more about licensing procedures, contact the licensing board of the state or states in which you plan to work. The American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners offer a list of opticianry licensing boards on their Web site, https://www.abo-ncle.org.

Professional credentials may also include voluntary certification. Certification is offered by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners.

Some states may permit dispensing opticians to fit contact lenses without certification, provided they have additional training.