Becoming a Florida Licensed Optician

FLORIDA LICENSED OPTICIAN

Florida opticians enjoy one of the strongest practice acts in the country, ensuring that the citizens of Florida receive the valuable skills of a well trained optician in verifying and dispensing their eyewear.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FLORIDA LICENSURE (SUMMARIES ONLY)
You must meet one of the eligibility requirements listed below to become a licensed optician in Florida and provide the appropriate documentation.

Once you have met one of the licensing requirements listed below, you become eligible to take the National Opticianry Practical Exam for Florida Licensure.

Earned an Associate Degree in Opticianry

If you have earned an Associate’s degree in Opticianry, your next step is to request that an official transcript be sent from the accredited institution where you received your degree directly to the Board office, or it will not be considered official. The transcript must show that the degree was awarded.

Practiced in Another Licensed State

You must have been licensed to practice in another Licensed State for three (3) of the last five (5) years. The License/Certificate/Registration Verification form must be completed by the state(s) in which you hold or have ever held a license, certificate, or registration.

This form must be completed and sent directly to the Board of Opticianry office from the agency which issued the license, certificate, or registration, or it will not be considered official.

For information visit the

Florida Board of Opticianry Website

Completed the Three-Year Apprenticeship Program

Upon the completion of the 6240 hour Florida apprenticeship program, you will need to provide your apprentice (DA) number or a copy of your apprenticeship completion letter along with your completed application. (You have 5 years to complete the program)

More details on the Florida Apprenticeship Program

Or visit the

Florida Board of Opticianry Website

Actively Practiced in an Unlicensed State

You must have actively practiced in a unlicensed State for at least five (5) of the last seven (7) years. If you practiced in a state that does not require a license, you will need to provide tax records, business records, affidavits, or other satisfactory documentation showing proof of practice of Opticianry.

Application for Florida licensure

Important Florida Licensing Requirements

Additional Requirements to become a Licensed Optician in Florida

To become eligible for initial licensure, you must complete the following requirements:

◊ Successful completion of all parts of the examination for Florida licensure;

◊ Copy of certificate documenting successful completion of a two-hour live technical practice continuing education course on fitting and adjusting by a Board approved provider;

◊ No discovery of disqualifying factors prior to licensure;

◊ Payment of the initial licensure fee within one (1) year of notification of successful passage of the examination for Florida licensure; and

◊ Completion of Initial Licensure Form,

All licensees are responsible for knowing the laws and rules that regulate their profession. The laws in Chapter 484,Part I, Florida Statutes (F.S.), are directly related to the profession of Opticianry, and Chapter 456, F.S., governs all health care professions licensed by the Department of Health. Rule Chapter 64B12, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are the rules that govern the profession of Opticianry. Rule Chapter 64B29, F.A.C., are the rules that govern optical establishments. This page is intended to be a summary only of the requirements for Florida licensure. For complete details, go to the Board of Opticianry Website.

Additional Requirements to become a Licensed Optician in Florida

To Become Eligible the initial licensure you must complete following requirements;

◊ Successful completion of all parts of the examination for Florida licensure;

◊ The original certificate documenting successful completion of a two-hour laws and rules course by a Board approved laws and rules courseprovider;

◊ Copy of certificate documenting successful completion of a two-hour continuing education course relating to the prevention of medical errors. The course must be approved by the Board and shall include a study of root-cause analysis, error reduction and prevention, and patient safety;

◊ Copy of certificate documenting successful completion of a two-hour live technical practice continuing education course on fitting and adjusting by a Board approved provider;

◊ No discovery of disqualifying factors prior to licensure;

◊ Payment of the initial licensure fee within one (1) year of notification of successful passage of the examination for Florida licensure; and

◊ Completion of Initial Licensure Form,

All licensees are responsible for knowing the laws and rules that regulate their profession. The laws in Chapter 484,Part I, Florida Statutes (F.S.), are directly related to the profession of Opticianry, and Chapter 456, F.S., governs all health care professions licensed by the Department of Health. Rule Chapter 64B12, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are the rules that govern the profession of Opticianry. Rule Chapter 64B29, F.A.C., are the rules that govern optical establishments. This page is intended to be a summary only of the requirements for Florida licensure, for complete details go the Board of Opticianry Website

The Three Required Exams For Florida Licensure

Prior to applying to take the National Opticianry Practical Exam, you must successfully pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO Exam) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE Exam) through the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners.

To assist you in preparing for these important exams, Professional Opticians of Florida offers ABO/NCLE Exam Reviews in three formats, Online Review courses that are available anytime, Live Review courses that are offered twice a year during our conference events and a 6-week Webinar Series.

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