UK dispensing opticians moving to US

**graeme0001** · 03-16-2007, 05:23 AM

I qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 2000. I hold the FBDO ( fellowship of bristish dispensing opticians) qualification and i am registered with the GOC ( general optical council)

I currently own a small chain of independent optician stores. My wife is a US citizen and we are planning on selling up and moving to Reston, Virgina, where she is originally from.

I am unsure of if i need further qualification in the states or if i can practice with my qualification. Also i am unaware of what salary a dispensing optician / manager would recieve?

your comments are greatly appreciated

Graeme

**rdcoach5** · 03-31-2007, 08:34 PM

Is there no-one on Optiboard from Virginia who can answer? I went to the Opticians of Virginia website and there is no state license in that state.The website is also really weak so that must reflect the lack of organized opticianry in that state.While I gripe about the lack of strict licensure in Ohio, I realize it could be worse. On the other hand, wouldn't opticians benefit from a strong national union or guild? I bet the UK has such.
Bob Taylor

**Snitgirl** · 03-31-2007, 08:57 PM

Virginia Board for Opticians
Board Administrator: (804) 367-8590
Licensing Section: (804) 367-8509
Website: www.state.va.us/dpor

3600 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230-4917

**rdcoach5** · 03-31-2007, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Snitgirl

Virginia Board for Opticians
Board Administrator: (804) 367-8590
Licensing Section: (804) 367-8509
Website: www.state.va.us/dpor

3600 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230-4917

O K what's the answer to to the licensed optician from the UK?

**Snitgirl** · 03-31-2007, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by rdcoach5

O K what's the answer to to the licensed optician from the UK?

Answer?

I have given the only information that I know which is the information that I have posted. Which is better than absolutely NO information, no?

**OPTIDONN** · 03-31-2007, 10:28 PM

Try and contact Judy Canty (she's an Optiboard member) I beleive that she lives in Virginia and may be able to answer some questions.

**graeme0001** · 04-18-2007, 03:29 AM

Sorry been on holiday

The UK has no licence as such. you must be a qualified dispensing optician. you must take a diploma or degree to obtain the necessary qualifications and go through exams both written and verbal.

Once qualified you must be registered with both ADBO ( association of british dispensing opticians) and the GOC ( general optical council).

You must obtain continued education credits each year to retain the qualification registration.

So in answer to the question, YES the UK is stricter and more controlled.

**DragonLensmanWV** · 04-18-2007, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by graeme0001

Sorry been on holiday

The UK has no licence as such. you must be a qualified dispensing optician. you must take a diploma or degree to obtain the necessary qualifications and go through exams both written and verbal.

Once qualified you must be registered with both ADBO ( association of british dispensing opticians) and the GOC ( general optical council).

You must obtain continued education credits each year to retain the qualification registration.

So in answer to the question, YES the UK is stricter and more controlled.

Sounds like you will be able to start yourself up without and legal hassle from the Virginia Board. Though you might want to see about getting certified here. I have none, but lots of people enjoy having bunches of letters after their name.;)

Oh, and here you can save time by omitting many unnecessary "u"s.
Unfortunately, we also carry some aluminumiumnum frames.:D:D:D:D