State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians

Licensing Questions

1. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.
   

2. How do I obtain an application for an apprentice's permit?

   The quickest and easiest way to obtain an application to become an apprentice ophthalmic dispenser is by downloading the forms from our website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov. You in writing by providing the following information: your name and mailing address, or by contacting the Board directly at (973) 504-6435.

   THERE MUST BE A WORKING AND OPERATION LAB ON THE PREMISES!

3. When do I have to start accumulating continuing education credits after I have passed the exam?

   Ophthalmic dispensers who are applying for their first biennial renewal are exempt from this mandatory continuing education requirement. Once they have paid their first renewal fee, then they must begin accumulating twelve (12) credits, three of which must be in contact lens dispensing.

4. Does the Board offer inactive license status?

   Yes. You may place your license in inactive status at any time. Inactive status is good for five (5) years. You are required to maintain your continuing education credits. If you do not reactivate your license within the five-year period, you will be required to retake the State Board examination.

5. How long must I maintain patient records?

   All patient records must be kept for at least six (6) years.

6. Am I required to wear an identification badge when I am providing services?

   You must wear a name tag indicating your name, license number, and your professional title at all times when serving the public. An apprentice also must wear an identification badge.

Training and Exams Questions

1. How long does it take to get my apprentice's permit?

   Absent any complicating factors, the average application process takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete. Once your application is complete, your file will be reviewed and a determination will be made.

   Incomplete applications are considered "abandoned" one (1) year after receipt and no refund will be issued on any fees paid for that application.

2. Can I renew my apprentice's permit?

   The Board will allow you to renew your apprentice's permit provided that the educational requirements have been met according to the regulations concerning eligibility for the State Board examination.

3. What are the requirements to sit for the State Board examination and to obtain an ophthalmic dispenser's license?

   You are required to submit a completed application, a non-refundable initial application fee of $100.00,a permit fee of $300.00, your official college transcripts, an employer's statement, and a photo taken no more than 12 moths prior to the date the application is submitted. Completed applications with all of the attachments and documents must be filed with the Board at least 30 days prior to the examination.

   If applying with an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) Degree in Ophthalmic Science, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a four month apprenticeship registered with the Board subsequent to the awarding of the degree, and have satisfactorily completed a course of study from a recognized school of ophthalmic dispensing accredited by the Commission of Opticianry Accredation (C.O.A.). The website will provide a list of approved colleges. An official college transcript, with the graduation date, and a copy of the diploma showing completion of program must accompany the application.

   If applying with a certificate in Ophthalmic Science, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a 36-month apprenticeship registered with the Board. The applicant must have passed the Qualifying Technical Examination at the completion of the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.

   If applying with an out-of-state license, the applicant must have an A.A.S. Degree in Ophthalmic Science from a recognized school of ophthalmic dispensing approved by the C.O.A. The website will provide a list of approved colleges. You are required to submit an official college transcript, with the graduation date, and a copy of your degree must accompany the application. A verification of licensure from the state in which you are currently licensed is also a requirement.

Miscellaneous Questions

1. Does New Jersey law require applicants to fulfill the college education requirements in order to take the New Jersey examination?

   Yes. You must have completed the educational requirements before you are eligible for the State Board examination.

2. How long is a prescription for eyeglasses valid?

   A patient's prescription for eyeglasses does not expire.

   The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act requires a prescription for contact lenses to be valid for at least one (1) year unless, in the prescriber's medical judgment, the patient's eye health requires a shorter period of time.

3. If a patient wants a copy of his/her prescription, am I required to provide a copy?

   Yes. A patient is entitled to a copy of his/her prescription.

4. Is an ophthalmic dispenser required to provide the "pupillary distance" to a patient?

   No. An ophthalmic dispenser is not required to include the interpupillary distance and height segment measurements on an eyeglass prescription.

   In the past all spectacle lenses were made of the same index of refraction (density), same center, edge thickness and the same style. All of the patient’s facial anatomical measurements were taken with a millimeter ruler at the time of the eye examination. With the explosion of new frame designs, lens materials and technologies, the old measurement system is no longer remotely adequate. Proper placement of the appropriate aspect of the lens in front of the patient’s pupil is critically important for today's technologically more advanced spectacle lens and frame materials. Special instrumentation and devices are required to ensure the prescription lenses will function properly for the patient. The measurements must be made relative to the eyeglass frame selected. Therefore, the patient must be measured by the seller and/or the dispenser of the eyeglass frame. The ophthalmic dispenser cannot assume any responsibility for the proper prescription being misplaced in front of the pupil due to the configuration of the frame, the lens style or material chosen by the patient. Not all lenses are created equal and there are many technological differences.

   Pupillary distance, "PD," refers to the measured distance between the patients pupils, and is taken for at least far and near viewing distances. Today's lenses require precise horizontal and vertical placement of the lens selected by the patient. These measurements are effected by the lens and frame shape, size and use (driving, computer or reading) of the prescription. Therefore, the patient must be measured by the seller and/or dispenser of the eyeglass frame. Segment height, bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses, refers to the height or placement of the near viewing (intermediate or reading portion) of the lens. Most lens manufacturers have a fitting guide to ensure the lens is positioned for maximum.