Warby Parker has drafted a proposal, hoping to have it presented to the Public Health Committee of the Connecticut legislature. If passed it will change the way opticianry is practiced in Connecticut.
Founded in 2010, Warby-Parker began operating exclusively as an online retailer of prescription eyewear and sunglasses. In 2013, they opened their first brick-and-mortar store. Headquartered in New York City, they currently have three physical stores in Connecticut
Having “found it challenging to find licensed, qualified opticians to staff our two stores,” Warby Parker has requested changing the Connecticut optician scope of practice by, Updating Connecticut’s Dispensing Optician Statute.
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW
Updating Licensing Requirements
• Splitting our scope of practice by separating eyewear and contact lenses. This would create a two tier license. Contact Lenses would become an optional license obtained after successful completion of an exam administered at no additional charge.
• Reduce apprenticeship from 4 years to two years and allow for a combination of an 18 month apprenticeship with the completion of one year education program approved by the Board.
• Licensing exams to be administered quarterly.
Updating Optician Regulation
• Waive education & training requirements for opticians “duly” licensed in other states
• Erroneously states that apprentices are not allowed to dispense glasses, “even under the supervision of a licensed optician.”
• Allow registered apprentices to dispense glasses during “customary absence [of the optician] such as sick days and vacation, etc."
• In addition to the “proposed exemption for customary absences, [of the optician] stores should be allowed to remain open to try-on frames and picking up on-line orders, etc.”
If this proposal finds a sponsor and is ultimately made into law, it will have a negative impact on opticianry school graduates and current license holders. If adopted, it will contradict our statutory mandate to protect public health, welfare and safety. (CGS Chpt 381; Sec 20-139)
The Connecticut Opticians Association founded in 1934 and representing the majority of opticians in Connecticut, opposes the restructuring of our educational standards and scope of practice to satisfy the request of an out-of-state corporation for its own pecuniary benefits.
Be assured, your COA has been, and will continue to be, diligent in following the progress of this proposal as Warby Parker seeks a sponsor. |
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