California is one of only twenty-three states that require optician licensing. Rules and regulations regarding optician training requirements, licensing, and certification are set by the The Medical Board of California. The following information will be applicable to you if you are wanting to be licensed as an optician in the state of California. Before the Medical Board of California can issue a license, a criminal record clearance must be received from both the state Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Licensing:

The state of California differentiates between Spectacle Lens Dispensers & Contact Lens Dispensers when it comes to licensure. If you are wishing to perform tasks associated with both spectacle lenses and contact lenses, then you will need to be licensed for both.

Spectacle Lens Dispensers: Sections 2559.1 – 2559.6

No individual may fit and adjust spectacle lenses unless the registration requirement of the State of California is complied with, and unless the individual is a duly registered spectacle lens dispenser or the individual performs the fitting and adjusting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered spectacle lens dispenser.

A “duly registered spectacle/contact lens dispenser” generally includes a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. Individuals who perform dispensing activities under the supervision of a qualified professional are encouraged to verify compliance with state law before accepting a supervised position.

Examination Requirements:

• Registry exam offered by the American Board of Opticianry

Contact Lenses: Sections 2560 – 2564.6

No individual may fit and adjust contact lenses, including plano contact lenses, unless the registration requirement of the State of California is complied with, and unless the individual is a duly registered contact lens dispenser or the individual performs the fitting and adjusting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered contact lens dispenser.

Examination Requirements:

• Contact lens exam by the National Committee of Contact Lens Examiners

Optician Training Programs:

American Career College, located in Los Angeles, provides the opportunity to complete a dispensing program that can be taken during the day for a period of 40 weeks or in the evenings for a period of 50 weeks. The program is available on all three campuses including Orange County, Ontario, and Los Angeles. Graduates are prepared to fill positions as Optical Lab Technicians, Contact Lens Fitters, Optical Dispensers, and Vision Center Retail Staff. You can check out their website to learn more about the program and the online application.

Fees and Forms:

• Initial registration fee ($100).
• Renewal fee ($100).
• Delinquency fee ($25)

• Spectacle Lens Application
• Contact Lens Application
• Criminal Record Clearance

State Contact Information:

Phone:          (916) 263-2382
Fax:              (916) 263-2487
Email:           webmaster@mbc.ca.gov

2005 Evergreen Street, Ste 1200     Sacramento, CA 95815

Web Site:     The Medical Board of California

Association: California Association of Dispensing Opticians

Current Job Offerings:

Silicon Valley Medical Development

OPHTHALMOLOGY TECHNICIAN & OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSISTANT
San Jose, CA

Silicon Valley Medical Development is currently recruiting for qualified Ophthalmology Technicians and Ophthalmology Assistants for our outpatient practice located in San Jose.

The Ophthalmic Technician and Assistant assist physicians by obtaining patients’ history and performing diagnostic tests necessary for the evaluation of patients’ eyes in treatment-oriented procedures and administrative tasks.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completion of a JRCOMP (Joint Review Committee for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel) approved program for Ophthalmology Assistants and Technicians, or prior on the job training
• COA or COT certification preferred
• Current BLS Certification
• Minimum of one year of experience in an ophthalmology setting
• Knowledge of ocular diseases and systemic diseases affecting the eye
• Knowledge of ultrasound and visual field machines
• Knowledge of basic eye care and hygienic methods and practices involving the treatment of the eye
• Knowledge of CPT & ICD-9 coding procedures
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Ability to accurately type a minimum of 40 WPM
• Strong verbal and written communications, and active listening skills
• Solid patient/guest relation skills with the ability to communicate in a professional, courteous and efficient manner
• Ability to perform basic math
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize tasks in order to complete assignments within the time allotted to maintain standard workflow
• Ability to work effectively as a team member who is flexible, cooperative and willing to assist others
• EPIC EMR experience preferred

For consideration, please apply online at the following links:

Ophthalmology Technician:  https://pm.healthcaresource.com/CS/svmd#/job/243

Ophthalmology Assistant:  https://pm.healthcaresource.com/CS/svmd#/job/245

Equal Opportunity Employer

Eye Society

Eye Society is an online and brick-and-mortar retail store that believes in quality handcrafted frames and independent eyewear brands. The store carries the finest lines that include but not limited to Leisure Society, Mark Mothersbaugh, MOSCOT, Paul Frank, SUPER by RetroSuperFuture, and TOMS Optical.

Located at The LAB in Costa Mesa, Eye Society is looking for an energetic retail sales associate who possesses excellent communication and self-management skills, as well as a willingness to learn new skills. Our ideal candidate would have at least one year of retail sales experience, his/her own clientele base from prior sales experience, and an interest in fashion or eyewear.

Sales Associate Role Description:

•       Assume key holder responsibilities when the other sales associate/store manager is not on duty: open/closing the store with proper alarm procedure, maintaining the cleanliness of the entrance, and handle daily store reports at end of closing operations that entails number of walk-ins, daily sales number, and daily tasks completed.
•       Update store inventory via Shopify with product shots and product descriptions, as well as fulfill online sales order when items need to be pulled from the store.
•       Visual merchandise the store’s products curating each brand’s section suitable for each brand image, organize products based on new arrivals/popular items and color ways, and ensure items are in presentable and sellable condition.
•       Adjust frames and perform small repairs for needed frames in store and for customers.
•       Provide excellent customer service to walk-ins about the store and its products, as well as answer phone calls and e-mails when needed.
•       Maintain and acquire relationships with customers to build clientele base.
•       Post on store’s social media outlets when needed: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Please e-mail résumé to: careers@eyesocietyonline.com