California Optician License

[MikeEe]

Hi guys,
I'm in the process of applying to optometry school. I would like to get my optician license as well as contact lense dispensing license just in case optometry school doesn't go my way. Can anybody help me steer in the right direction to obtaining them. I have been told that there are 2 tests per year. Is this true? Thanks guys -Mike

[optigrrl]

I think "they" are talking about the ABO and the NCLE - California is not a Licensed state.

You can become a Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser (SLD) and it requires that you are ABO certified and then you take the state test.

Here is the website:

http://www.medbd.ca.gov/RDO_Program_SLD.htm


Good luck!

[wmcdonald]

.....is a licensed state, but the requirements are merely 1 year of experience (unless that has recently changed) and the ABO. I think you can find the correct information at the California Medical Board, Licensing Operations- RDO program. A simlpe Google seach should supply a correct address. Good luck.

[Snitgirl]

Hi guys,
I'm in the process of applying to optometry school. I would like to get my optician license as well as contact lense dispensing license just in case optometry school doesn't go my way. Can anybody help me steer in the right direction to obtaining them. I have been told that there are 2 tests per year. Is this true? Thanks guys -Mike

Hi MikeEe,

Here are the designations for Cali:
RDO=Registered Dispensing Opticians (business location)
SLD=Spectacle Lens Dispensers
CLD=Contact Lens Dispensers
NCLS=Nonresident Contact Lens Sellers

Best thing to do is contact Rhonda, she will tell you everything you need to know. If she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she will call you back..

Rhonda Rodriguez
MEDICAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/RDO_Program_SLD.htm
Licensing Operations - RDO Program
1426 Howe Avenue, Suite 54
Sacramento, CA 95825-3236
PHONE (916) 263-2382

The ABO & NCLE test is given 2 times per year, May & Nov. The next test is Sunday, Nov 19th and Registration Deadline is Sept 19th. You can register to take both tests if you like.
www.abo.org

: D Michelle

Hope this information helps.

[Snitgirl]

I think "they" are talking about the ABO and the NCLE - California is not a Licensed state.

You can become a Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser (SLD) and it requires that you are ABO certified and then you take the state test.

Here is the website:

http://www.medbd.ca.gov/RDO_Program_SLD.htm


Good luck!

Hi optigrrl,

Can you tell me about the state test in Cali, or is it the ABO that you are talking about?

Thanks,
Michelle

[Ed_Optician]

California has no licence per se. It has a fee collection system
Requirements are
1. Pass ABO or NCLE
2. Submit 2 Mug Shots
3. Submit 2 fingerprint cards...or livescan fingerprints
4. Submit suitable payment
5. Submit required paperwork aka application

If you are applying for both RSLD and RCLD at the same time one background check fee is all that is required

Wait impatiently they operate at the speeds of lethargy and rigor mortis. Remember these people are government employees and do not like to work very hard. Do not be surprised if you get a registered letter from them saying you need to submit proof of passing the ABO especially if you took the exam outside of California. I got 2 such letters and placed one call to ABO/NCLE they faxed the info over poste haste

[DebAboNcle]

In California, you can be licensed without the ABO or NCLE, but it is difficult. You are far better off applying for these by sumitting a copy of your national certifications ... plus, California will be a mandatory certified state within 5 years, so you might as well do it now. (I am on the state recommendations board.)

I am an optical sciences instructor for a vocational college, and we have the oldest Opticianry course in California (our college doing business for 30+ years.) Our course is 7-9 months (depending on if you attend morning or evening classes) and we have campuses in Los Angeles, Orange County and Norco.

Contact me at DebAboNcle@aol.com if you would like a referral to our admissions department for more info.