South Carolina
What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal in South Carolina?
- Licensed Optician: 4 hours
- 1 hour can be in Practice Management (annually)
- Optician with Contact Lens License: 5 hours
- 1 hour in Contact Lenses (annually)
Internet CE allowed?
- No, OTI’s courses will not fulfill requirements
Can users in South Carolina take Optical Training Institute continuing education to renew their state license?
No, state licensed opticians cannot complete online courses to fulfill their renewal requirements.
What is the Optician Development Program approved for in South Carolina?
ODP fulfills the requirement listed in Section 40-38-240 (2)(a): received a certificate from a two-year school of opticianry approved by the board.
What are the requirements to become a licensed optician in South Carolina?
Opticianry Licensure Requirements
A person is qualified to receive a certificate of licensure if the following requirements are met:
- Submission of a completed application and payment of licensure fee(s).
- Graduate from an accredited high school or GED completion.
- Pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination.
- Pass the South Carolina Practical Opticianry Examination.
- Completion of one (1) of the following:
- Graduate from a two-year ophthalmic dispensing program accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).
- Hold a current, in good standing, optician's license from another licensing state.
- Have been employed at least two years as an optician in a state that does not license opticians; must document employment.
- Complete a South Carolina Registered Apprenticeship Program under a S.C. state licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Contact Lens Dispensing Licensure Requirements
A person is qualified to receive a certificate of licensure if the following requirements are met:
- Submission of a completed application and payment of licensure fee
- Pass the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) examination
- Hold a current, in good standing, SC Opticianry License
For more information: SCLLR
What exams are required in South Carolina to become a licensed optician?
Passing of the National Opticianry Competency Examination offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is required.
Passing of the South Carolina Practical Opticianry Examination
How can you contact the South Carolina state board?
Board of Examiners in Opticianry
Phone: (803) 896-4681
Email: [email protected]
110 Centerview Dr.
Columbia, SC 29210