Georgia is one of only twenty-three states that require optician licensing by law. Rules and regulations regarding optician training requirements, licensing, and certification are established by the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians. The following information will be relevant to you if you are wanting to be licensed as an optician in the state of Georgia.
Georgia State Opticianry Law:
Licensing: § 43-29-7 – § 43-29-21
Any person wishing to obtain the right to practice the trade or occupation of dispensing optician must make application to the board and obtain a license from the board.
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Over 18 years of age
- Has completed a high school education or its equivalent
- Of good moral character
Technical Skills and Training Requirements:
One of the following…
- Has satisfactorily completed one school year of not less than an 850 hour course of study in a recognized school of optical dispensing
- Has had practical training and experience for not less than two years under the supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, a licensed physician, or a licensed optometrist
Opticianry Degree Programs:
Ogeechee Technical College, located in Statesboro, offers both an Opticianry Associate of Applied Science Degree and an Opticianry Diploma. In order to be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- At least 16 years old
- Has a high school diploma or GED
- Complete placement exam
Students are required to complete at least 72 semester credit hours and a minimum of 1740 contact hours over 5 semesters.
To learn more about the specifics of the program, you can visit their website or click here to view the college catalog. Details of the opticianry programs begin on page 154.
Examination Requirements:
- National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry
- Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) administered by the National Contact Lens Examiners
- State Optical Dispensing Examination
- The passing score is 75
- The examination is administered twice each year
- A list of examination preparation resources can be found here
Licensure by Reciprocity:
If you have been previously licensed as a dispensing optician in another state, you can be issued a license in Georgia as long as the examination and training requirements in your previous state are comparable to the standards in Georgia and you have been licensed for at least two years. In addition, Georgia will only consider issuing a license by reciprocity if the state in which you have been licensed offers the same courtesy to opticians who hold a Georgia license. Applicants are also required to have not failed any required examination within the past five years.
- Application Fee, $115
- Apprentice Registration, $35
- Re-Examination Fee, $65
- Reinstatement Fee, $160
- License Renewal fee, $65
State Contact Information:
Phone: (478) 207-2440
Fax: (877) 588-0446
E-mail: Submit Here
Board of Dispensing Opticians
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
Web Site: Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians
State Association: Opticians Association of Georgia
Hi,
I have never registered as an apprentice but I was going to take my LDO test based on experience. Now things have changed and I was told about an online program that the GA board will recognize. Does anyone know the name of the website? Or if it exists?
Thanks in advance
I hear that the Optician training program at Wiregrass Tech in Valdosta, GA is closing. Are there any such programs for training Opticians in south Alabama or any credible online schools that offer the program?
Thanks! Praying!
I am a ABO certified optician in Pa for over 30 years. we are not a licensed state. I’m moving to GA in 6 months. Can I just take the test?
I am ABO/NCLE certified in Florida and have all my apprentice hours completed (but I am not licensed yet). Now I’m moving to Georgia and am wondering if my certifications and hours will be sufficient in order to sit for the Georgia Boards to become licensed.
Lily,
Our best recommendation is to contact the Georgia Board directly to find out if they will accept your education and experience in Florida.
I am a licensed optician in the state of Virginia and am ABO Certified. I do not have the NCLE because it was not required in Virginia. I am moving to Georgia next year, and I think the NCLE is required. If so can I obtain that after moving to Georgia or will I need to get that before I apply for transfer?
Jason,
Our best advice would be to contact the Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians directly to find out what they would recommend.
I am about halfway through my 2 year apprenticeship and I am working through an online optician certificate course. Could this count towards the education portion of my license application? Also, I am going to be ready to take the ABO by May this year. If I pass it, does that still count as my test even though I haven’t completed the 3,000 hours yet?
Brittany,
We would suggest that you contact the Board of Dispensing Opticians to find out how they will handle your unique situation. Ultimately, they will make the decision on how your education and experience is processed.
Hello, I practiced dispensing in Florida under a licensed optometrist for 7 years but never sought licensing myself. Can I do the same thing in Georgia? Or must I register to take the examinations etc.?
Thank you!
Anthony,
It is highly likely that the Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians will require you to comply with their general licensing standards, but we strongly encourage you to contact the Board directly to find out if they can offer any special accommodations based on your previous experience.
Hello. I have a store and we sell some of our own sunglasses yet I would like to have the option to offer different sunglass lenses. Is there anyone who would do freelance sunglass lens cutting on a job to job basis? Eventually I would be able to hire for PT or FT pay. But my main objective right now is to have someone who could trace the lens shape and do the cutting as well. If anyone could offer more information as to how I could go about doing this I would be very appreciative. Thank you
Arman,
Our best recommendation for finding someone to hire for a position at your establishment is to take advantage of our job posting service. You can learn more by visiting our job posting page.
I’m a non licensed optician in New Jersey. I’ve completed the dispensing optician program and have gotten my degree. I’ve been working in the field for 10 plus years and want to apply for a license in Georgia. Is it best to apply on the basis of education and experience or just education since I am not licensed.
Yury,
We would generally recommend highlighting both your education and experience when seeking licensure, but would advise you to contact the Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians directly to find out what their expectations are in your case.
I am currently working under the supervision of a licensed Optician and in close quarters with an Optometrist. I would like to get more information about obtaining my Dispensing Optician License through an apprenticeship.
K,
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to acquire the credentials needed for licensure. We would recommend that you begin by reading our optician apprenticeship page. To locate a training opportunity in your area, we highly recommend direct communication with the Board of Dispensing Opticians, the Opticians Association of Georgia, and local employers. These organizations are valuable resources for finding an apprenticeship and can help you as you advance your career.
I’m a licensed optician in North Carolina. What do I need to do to obtain a Georgia license?
Erico,
The details regarding licensure in Georgia can be found above this comment section. You should be able to become licensed in Georgia through reciprocity. We generally suggest that individuals contact the Board of Dispensing Opticians directly to make sure that their credentials will transfer.
Where is the law that states a licensed dispensing optician (LDO) must be present to dispense eyewear in Georgia?
ae,
The laws affecting dispensing opticians in Georgia can be found here. Dispensing duties are addressed in section § 43-29-14.
Hi,
My name is Jorvy Mammen. I have been working as an optician for 10 years now. I have my ABO / NCLE certification. 10 years ago, I completed 1.5 years of optometry school when I realized that the program was not for me. I did pass all portions of my optics classes in optometry school, so I don’t know if this education can count towards working under supervised personnel since it included optics labs.
I was wondering how I can get licensed as an optician in the state of Georgia. I have been working as an optician since 2003, but was never in an apprenticeship program, and I am hoping I don’t have to do 3000 hours starting all over again. The only evidence of being an optician for 10 years that I have are my W-2’s.
If someone could help me, I would be eternally grateful.
Sincerely,
Jorvy
Jorvy,
The Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians makes decisions on whether or not previous education and experience can be used toward fulfillment of the state licensing requirements. In complex cases like yours, we generally recommend that individuals contact the board directly to find out how they would choose to handle your unique situation.
I have been an ABO Certified optician since 1996 and am working in the State of Michigan. With 20 years of experience plus my ABO Certification, what requirements would I need to fulfill before being able to be employed as an Optician in the state of Georgia?
Karen,
Georgia offers licensure through reciprocity for those who have worked in the profession in another state. There is also a state exam that you may be required to pass before being licensed. The Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians is an excellent resource for learning more about securing a license.
I live in Cumming, GA. I would like to become a licensed dispensing optician. I need more information to start this process.
Carrie,
Detailed information about becoming a licensed optician in Georgia can be found on the state specific page. The Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians and the Opticians Association of Georgia are also excellent resources to use as you go through the process of becoming licensed.
I have a person registered as an apprentice that I supervised for over 3000 work hours. He has transferred to a different location and is going to sit for his licensing exam at the next test cycle. Does he still stay listed under my license or should he change his supervising LDO to the person he reports to now? Thank you for a quick response.
E Bowen
His Affidavit of Experience and Employment should be completed using your information. Since we are not directly associated with the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians, we recommend that you contact them directly about this matter so that no errors are made. Their phone number is (478) 207-2440. I hope this helps and we wish your apprentice Good Luck on the licensing exam.