Before applying for licensure, please familiarize yourself with the general licensing policies.

 

An applicant for licensure must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below:

 

Hold an associates degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Opticians OR have completed at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training under the supervision of a licensed optician.  Apprenticeship training completed in Connecticut will be accepted provided the applicant was duly registered as an optician apprentice by the Department.

 

Successful completion of the following examinations:

 

The American Board of Opticianry’s & National Contact Lens Examiners' (ABO-NCLE) National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE); and

 

A DPH administered practical examination.  A winter 2024, examination event is being planned.  The application deadline for this examination administration is November 15, 2024.

 

Documentation Requirements:

 

The following documentation shall be submitted directly to this office from the source:

 

A notarized application with a photograph of the applicant and fee of $200.00 in the form of a check or money order made payable to:  "Treasurer, State of Connecticut";

 

Verification of completion of 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training.  Please select this link for the required form.  If you have previously verified your apprenticeship to the Department's satisfaction, you need not repeat the process; or

 

An official transcript verifying the completion of an Associates Degree in ophthalmic dispensing sent directly to this office from the institution attended;

 

Verification of successful completion of the ABO & NCLE examinations as indicated above; and

 

If applicable, official verification, sent directly from each licensing authority where you hold or have held a license, certificate or registration.  Please contact the jurisdiction prior to submission of the form as some may charge a fee for this service.

 

All supporting documentation must be sent directly from the source to:

 

Connecticut Department of Public Health
Optician Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS#12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Phone:  (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 707-1929

Email: dph.dentalteam@ct.gov