Ohio

What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal in Ohio?

Licensed Spectacle Dispensing Optician:  

• 12 hours, every 2 years (after first biennial renewal in 2025, opticians will renew in odd years)  
• 1st time renewals must complete 2 hours SCD 
• 8 hours of Spectacle (ABO)  
• 4 hours of Contacts (NCLE)  
• *Up to 2 management hours can be used for spectacle  

Licensed Spectacle-Contact Dispensing Optician:  

• 24 hours, every 2 years (after first biennial renewal in 2025, opticians will renew in odd years)  
• 1st time renewals must complete 2 hours SCD 
• 8 hours of Spectacle (ABO)  
• 16 hours of Contacts (NCLE)  
• *Up to 6 management hours can be used for contacts  

Licensed Contact Dispensing Optician:  

• Contacts Only expire in 2024 altogether*  
• Will need to upgrade to Licensed Spectacle-Contact Dispensing Optician  

Allows internet CE?

Yes, if provider is state board approved (OTI is an approved provider)

Is Optical Training Institute an approved continuing education provider in Ohio?

Yes, licensed opticians in Ohio can take any of our online continuing education courses on our website.

What is the Optician Development Program approved for in Ohio? 

At this time, ODP is not approved in the state of Ohio for apprenticeship alignment. The program can be taken for training and ABO-NCLE exam preparation purposes only.

What are the requirements to become a licensed optician in Ohio?

To obtain a license you must have:

1. Earned a degree in optical dispensing from a Board approved school; or
2. Completed a registered spectacle apprenticeship of one thousand (1000) hours in optical

dispensing under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist,

or physician engaged in the practice of ophthalmology; or

1. Completed a registered spectacle-contact lens apprenticeship of one thousand five

hundred (1500) hours in optical dispensing under the direct supervision of a licensed

dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician engaged in the practice of

ophthalmology; or

1. A person who gained experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or

ophthalmologist that would qualify the person under division (B)(1) of section 4725.48

of the Revised Code to take the examination for optical dispensing is not required to

register with the board.

1. Successfully passed the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) examination for

licensure as a dispensing spectacle optician; or

1. Successfully passed the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) examination for

licensure as a dispensing contact lens optician.

1. Applied through: https://elicense.ohio.gov; and
2. Completed and submitted the Certification of Supervisor Form and the BCI/FBI

background check.

For more information: Optician License Requirements | Ohio

What exams are required in Ohio to become a licensed optician?

Passing of the National Opticianry Competency Examination offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is required; or

Passing of the Contact Lens Registry Examination offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is required.

How can you contact the Ohio state board?

Vision Professionals Board

77 S. High Street, 16th Floor , Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone: (614) 466-9709

Fax: (614) 995-5392​

Vision Professionals Board | Ohio.gov