Ohio 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 Ohio Optical Dispensers Board. The following information will be relevant to you if you are wanting to be licensed as an optician in the state of Ohio.
Ohio State Opticianry Law:
All individuals must apply for licensure from the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board in order to practice as a dispensing optician and to hold themselves out to be a licensed dispensing optician in Ohio.
General Eligibility Requirements:
- At least eighteen years of age
- Of good moral character
- Free of contagious or infectious disease
- Graduate of an accredited high school of any state or equivalent
Technical Skills and Training Requirements:
Has completed one of the following…
- A two year apprenticeship of at least one thousand hours per year in optical dispensing under direct supervision of an optician, of which one year of not less than 30 hours per week of supervised optical experience under direction of a dispensing optician which may be used towards the apprenticeship requirements.
- Two years of experience of a least one thousand (1000) hours per year of direct supervision and in the employment of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- A two-year college level program in optical dispensing that has been approved by the board.
Opticianry Degree Programs:
Cuyahoga Community College, located in Cleveland, offers a 2-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Optical Technology. Graduates must complete a minimum of 69 credit hours in order to complete the program. A detailed coursework outline is available by clicking here. If you think you might be interested in applying, be sure to review the full application packet.
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
Licensure by Reciprocity:
If you have been previously licensed as a dispensing optician in another state, you can be issued a license in Ohio as long as the examination and training requirements in your previous state are comparable to the standards in Ohio.
Fees and Forms:
- Licensure Application, $50
- Apprentice Registration, $20
- Reciprocity License Application, $50
State Contact Information:
Phone: (614) 466-9709
Fax: (614) 995-5392
E-mail: odb@odb.ohio.gov
Ohio Optical Dispensers Board
77 South High Street, 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Web Site: Ohio Optical Dispensers Board
State Association: Opticians Association of Ohio
Current Job Offerings:
OPTICIAN
License Optician
Union Eye Care specializes in providing quality vision care and products. Since its establishment in 1959, Union Eye Care has continue to grow, and now provides Northeast Ohio residents with eight convenient locations.
We are currently seeking unique individuals experienced in sales with diverse backgrounds in customer service, optical, and fashion to guide our patients in the selection of premium eyewear customized to their needs.
Duties Include:
• Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification.
• Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames.
• Assisting customers in the selection of frames and lenses.
• Contact Lens Instructions.
• Communication with Doctor regarding patient recommendations.
• Willing to travel between stores if needed.
• Meet and exceed personal/store sales goals.
• Answering phones to assist patients.
• Scheduling Appointments
Qualifications: State certification- Dual license preferred.
Salary: Based on educational qualification and prior work history.
Benefits: Medical and Vision Care.
In the Brunswick/North Olmsted areas
And Cleveland Akron areas
Are there any opticianry degree programs available in the Columbus, OH area?
Also, is it necessary to take the contact lens classes if you are planning on only taking the exam for spectacles?
Can you obtain a licensure with a past felony charge?
I am presently (10 years) the owner/operator of an optical dispensary. I have been dispensing eyeglasses as an Optician for over 20 years. All in a state that doesn’t require a license to practice Opticianry. Is there any reciprocity for my licensure in Ohio? I’ve heard as long as you have 5 years of verifiable employment as an Optician you can obtain a license in Ohio as long as you can pass the state board exams. If this is an option, how do I go about that? Thank you.
Paula,
Ohio does provide licensing through reciprocity to opticians who have been licensed in other states as long as the Board determines that the training and experience of the optician satisfies Ohio standards. The details of licensure through reciprocity can be found on the reciprocity application. You would need to contact the Board directly to find out if they will accept your prior experience as a qualification for licensure.