which states require licensing of opticians

[gvincent8]

can anyone direct me to a list of states that require licensing of opticians? i would really appreciate it.

[ziggy]

TRY WWW.OAA.ORG OR WWW.ABO-NCLE.ORG I think 26 out of 50 have license.

[optical24/7]

I think the number is closer to 21 states, not even half. The ABO site has a list of state licensing boards. It list's Texas', but this state dosen't make it manditory, it's voluntary. Don't use their list as definitive.

[volente]

i dont have a list but i'm from the west coast so california no, washington state yes (i think).

[JennyP]

For the southern states:

Yes: FL, GA, NC, TN
No: AL, MS

SC? VA? dunno

[chip anderson]

Jenny:

Mississippi is not a licensed state. The Opticians have been trying to be licensed since 1960, the optometrists and now the chains have opposed this since that time. They got the money, they got the clout, they got the numbers.

Chip

[Judy Canty]

Virginia has required a license since 1954. South Carolina is a yes as well. Kentucky too!

[Happylady]

Virginia has required a license since 1954. South Carolina is a yes as well. Kentucky too!

I lived in Maryland and worked briefly in Virginia in the early 80's. I didn't have a license nor was it ever mentioned to me.

[Judy Canty]

Well, I've been licensed in VA since 1978 and it is required, not voluntary.

Maryland does not require a license nor does DC, though in DC you do need a license to be a dog groomer!

[Audiyoda]

Michigan is a BIG no! The OD's and OMD's (specifically OD's ala the Michigan Optometric Association lobby which is HUGE in the state capitol) have blocked every attempt. I was apart of the last attempt in 2005 to get licensure - their lawyers and lobbyists had us down for the 10 count before we were even heard in subcommittee.

[AngryFish]

The following are licensed states. Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York. Texas and California license the business as apposed to the optician. I believe the last state to become a licensed state was Ohio in 1979.

[Traciangela]

Thank you so much for this listing. I have looked for this information on one document and have never been able to find it. I was told that Arkansas was a licensed state as well.

[Traciangela]

I see Arkansas now

[hcjilson]

Michigan is a BIG no! The OD's and OMD's (specifically OD's ala the Michigan Optometric Association lobby which is HUGE in the state capitol) have blocked every attempt. I was apart of the last attempt in 2005 to get licensure - their lawyers and lobbyists had us down for the 10 count before we were even heard in subcommittee.

Believe it or not, your best ally in this fight could have been and still can be, the OMDs who are not particularly happy with the latest incursion into their baliwick by the OD's.But they have to be approached! When this licensing effort took place, who did you call on for help? Other licensed states? OAA? I for one never heard anything about it.Your post sounds like you've all given up. Why is this effort not an ongoing thing. Failing in the attempt is not a good enough excuse to give up on it......I send that message to PA as well. Perseverance is key!

[Traciangela]

Does WA require an ABO license? I currently have my ABO and want to take my NCLE this Fall, to increase my chances of securing employment in another state. Do most states that require ABO also require NCLE?

[wmcdonald]

ABO/NCLE is a voluntary certification. Some states may require it as a component of their licensing process, but as a stand-alone it is volunatry. Licenses are states issues. For example, a driver's license is issued by the state, as are professional licenses, such as those for Opticians. The problem with licensure for Opticians is the vast disparity in requirements between the states. Yes, ODs regularly stand against us in the legislative arena, but unfortunately we make ourselves an easy target due to lack of consistency in education and training requirements.

[Traciangela]

Thank you for that explanation. To make sure I am clearly understanding you, let me ask this... If I move to a state, such as North Carolina, would I have to take another certification test to practice as a dispensing optician?

[wmcdonald]

You would take a licensing exam. Now to make it even more confusing, some states recognize ABO as their exam requirement and usually attach a practical exam to it. SC is one who uses that method. The practical is a 3-hour exam. To be licensed, successful completion of the ABO is required. In NC, there is a process through which your current status can be evaluated. You may be granted a license if you have practiced in another licensed state with similar education and training requirements, and had no problems wih the board, etc. If you come from an unlicensed state you can submit the application and take the 9-part 2-day examination if you have been an Optician for 4 years and document your professional activities. The ABO and NCLE certifications may be substituted for a couple of the parts of the exam. Requirements vary widely from state to state, and it is important to check with the board in that state to get up-to-date information regarding requirements.

Good luck to you!

[Audiyoda]

Believe it or not, your best ally in this fight could have been and still can be, the OMDs who are not particularly happy with the latest incursion into their baliwick by the OD's.But they have to be approached! When this licensing effort took place, who did you call on for help? Other licensed states? OAA? I for one never heard anything about it.Your post sounds like you've all given up. Why is this effort not an ongoing thing. Failing in the attempt is not a good enough excuse to give up on it......I send that message to PA as well. Perseverance is key!

There's been attempts in the past to get OMDs involved - their usual response is to ride the fence. Beyond that I don't know who was involved - I was asked to participate because of my experience with retail chains and independents (the big retailers were also against licensure). I believe the Opticians Association of Michigan is going to try again next year - but don't quote me on it.

[rdcoach5]

Michigan is a BIG no! The OD's and OMD's (specifically OD's ala the Michigan Optometric Association lobby which is HUGE in the state capitol) have blocked every attempt. I was apart of the last attempt in 2005 to get licensure - their lawyers and lobbyists had us down for the 10 count before we were even heard in subcommittee.

I live in Ohio, a licensed state.One of our new customers came in for new backup flattop bifocals because her new progressives were terrible and they are being remade. They were purchased on a shopping trip to a big mall in Detroit.After asking a few questions, I learned the optical shop did not seem very knowledgeable, at least in this customer's eyes. When I told her that Michigan did not require opticians to be licensed, she was at once incredulous and then very worried about ever getting her new and expensive glasses correctly made. I may suggest, that next time you try for licensing in Michigan, try to get the general public to contact their congressmen.Trying to fight the Optoms and chains lobbying with money alone won't work, because opticians don't have enough.

[twharris56]

Does WA require an ABO license? I currently have my ABO and want to take my NCLE this Fall, to increase my chances of securing employment in another state. Do most states that require ABO also require NCLE?

The ABO is not required, but you should get it as well. Washington is a state where you only get one license, for spec and cl. They do not exempt you from their Board if you have it, like NC did for me. If you come to WA or are in WA seeing employment, let me know.