This is a voluntary program. A dispensing optician registration is
not
required to practice in the State of Texas.
Education and Experience required for registration
- Show proof of earning five classroom hours prior to
submitting application
for registration (single) or ten classroom hours (dual)
- Show proof of taking and passing the appropriate
examination, either
the
- American Board of Opticianry (ABO) examination, or
- The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) examination,
or
- both, if applying for dual registration
Are opticians required to hold a license in Texas?
No. An optician who meets certain standards may choose to
become a registered
dispensing optician through the Opticians’ Registry Program of
the Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Only registered
opticians
may use the title registered dispensing optician.
Any optician (registered or unregistered) who sells, delivers,
or dispenses
contact lenses in Texas must hold a contact lens dispensing
permit issued
by DSHS, unless exempt by law.
Since registration is voluntary, why would an optician
choose to be
registered?
Opticians choose to be registered dispensing opticians so the
public
can identify them as health care providers who meet standards in
the dispensing
of eyeglasses and contact lenses. The standards include passing a
national
certification examination and completing classroom training.
Since registered dispensing opticians are required to complete
continuing
education classes annually, the public will know that registered
opticians
are maintaining and upgrading their skills and knowledge in
order to provide
quality services and products.
Most opticians choose to be voluntarily regulated by the state
of Texas
in order to increase consumer confidence in their practice. When
an optician
is registered, consumers may report violations of the Opticians’
Registry
Act or rules to DSHS through the complaint and investigation
process.
Registered dispensing opticians regularly receive current
information
from DSHS concerning law and rule changes that may affect their
practice.