Dispensing Opticians FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions related to the Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians.
See the How to Guide: Dispensing Optician for more information.
Applicants must submit a completed application; the non-refundable fee; a copy of a high school diploma, and a Secure and Verifiable Document and Affidavit of Citizenship. In addition, based on your credentials, include the following:
1. If applying based on education, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a course of study in a recognized school of ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Board. An official college transcript, with graduation date, and copy of diploma must accompany application showing completion of program.
2. If applying based on experience, be sure and complete the Affidavit of Experience and Employment form in the application. Must be registered with the Board as an "Apprentice" PRIOR to obtaining the minimum of 3,000 hours experience under approved supervision, obtained in not less than 2 years - For licensure consideration in Georgia by the Board, the minimum hours of experience under supervision do NOT start to accrue until the date of the approval of the apprenticeship registration with the Board.
3. If applying based education and experience, submit all documents listed above in paragraphs 2 and 3.
4. If applying on basis of successful completion of the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program, submit the Affidavit and Certificate of Completion of the study program from the National Academy of Opticianry in addition to the items noted above for applications based on education or education and experience.
EXAMS: All applicants are required to pass the ABO National Opticianry Certification Examination (ABO/NOCE) and the NCLE Contact Lens Registry Examination” (NCLE/CLRE) competency exams. Submit current ABO & NCLE certificates, or if applicable, request scores be certified from the national board to the Board office.
In addition to the above competency examinations, passage of the ABO Practical Examination (ABOP) and the NCLE Practical Examination (NOCE) is also required. Once an application is approved by the Board, the applicant will be notified of how to register and sit for the ABO-NCLE Practical Exams.
The Georgia Board does not approve applicants to take the NOCE and CLRE competency exams. Individuals can do so on their own. These two certification exams must be taken, passed, with verification provided with your application before an individual can be approved to register and sit for the two new practical exams. Information on these practical exams is available on their website.
Applicants with foreign educational credentials must have their educational credentials evaluated by a reputable credential evaluation service. All required examinations and other requirements for licensure must be also met.
See the fee schedule for the current non-refundable fees for all applications.
See the Reinstatement section on the How To Guide: Dispensing Opticians page.
Applicant must complete the reinstatement application, pay the non-refundable fee, and submit proof of Board approved continuing education pursuant to Board Rule 420-2-.01 Registration and Reinstatement. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board. NONE of the CE Hours used to reinstate the license can be counted towards the next renewal date after the license is reinstated, you must obtain new/additional CE Hours to renew, no matter when the reinstatement is issued.
No.
All address changes must be reported to the Board within 10 days after the move according to Rule 420-3-.01. There is a change of address form is located at the Georgia Board of Dispensing Opticians website under Application/Form Downloads. You may also update your address, e-mail address and telephone numbers online yourself via the Online Licensing Portal. Address changes may also be submitted by mail or fax 866-888-7127.
No.
License pocket cards are no longer mailed to licensees upon issuance of a license. You may print a copy of your license online yourself, or mail in a request for a new pocket card including the required fee (see fee schedule). Visit the Online Licensing Portal.
View the Renewal Checklist on the How to Guide: Dispensing Optician page.
Complete the online renewal form or call 404-424-9966 to request a paper renewal form to be mailed to you.
All licenses expire on March 31st of odd numbered years. Check the fee schedule for the current renewal fee. You must have obtained the required number of Continuing Education hours. See Board Rule 420-9 for specific continuing education requirements. There is a late renewal period of April 1st to 30th of odd numbered years. You will pay a penalty fee in addition to the renewal fee. If the license is not renewed by April 30th odd numbered years, the license will be administratively revoked and require reinstatement by the Board.
ONLY those licensees selected for a random Continuing Education audit need to submit their certificates of attendance or other proof of their CE Hours. ALL renewing Dispensing Opticians must sign, either electronically (online renewal) or where indicated on the paper renewal form mailed to you if requested, affirmation of having obtained the required CE Hours each renewal cycle.
Use this form to send a written request to the Board. There is a fee of $35 to process each requested verification. Please provide the name and full mailing address of the intended recipient of the verification.
You may also submit a request online.
The Board maintains a list of currently approved CE providers.