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Optician
Total cost: $558
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions, Ophthalmic Dispensing (administered by the State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing)
Official website →License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
18 hrs
CE Hours
$558
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
2-year program in ophthalmic dispensing
Accreditation
State Education Department-approved program
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Accepted Alternatives
Some states require a formal opticianry education (associate’s degree from a COA-accredited program), while others allow apprenticeship training as an alternative pathway to licensure.
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ABO & NCLE Certifications
VerifiedRequired
ABO Certification (Eyeglasses)
Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
Must pass the ABO National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
NCLE Details
Must pass the NCLE Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)
State-Specific Exam Required
New York State department-conducted examination
The ABO (American Board of Opticianry) certifies opticians for eyeglass dispensing. The NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) certifies opticians for contact lens fitting. Some states require one or both certifications for licensure.
Apprenticeship Alternative
VerifiedApprenticeship Pathway Available
Duration
2 years
Supervision
Under a licensed ophthalmic dispenser, optometrist, or physician
Curriculum Requirements
Some states allow aspiring opticians to learn through a structured apprenticeship program (typically 2–3 years) under the supervision of a licensed optician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist, as an alternative to a formal degree program.
Optician Practice Scope
VerifiedPermitted
Eyeglass Dispensing
Permitted
Contact Lens Fitting
Additional Certification Required for Contact Lenses
Permitted Activities
Restricted Activities
Opticians dispense and fit eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. Opticians do not diagnose eye conditions or prescribe corrective lenses.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $108 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $558 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
18 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Optician licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering opticianry practice, lens technology, and professional standards. Some states also require maintaining ABO/NCLE certification.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
New York accepts endorsement applications from opticians licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Optician license reciprocity varies significantly between states. Some states accept ABO/NCLE certification as a basis for endorsement, while others require a full application and state-specific exams.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New York with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
New York licenses opticians through the State Education Department and uses the title 'Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser.' The state has a 3-year renewal cycle. A separate certificate is required for contact lens dispensing. Trainee permits are available for $30.
New York requires state licensure for ophthalmic dispensers.
Licensed through the State Education Department (not a separate board).
Uses the title 'Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser.'
Must pass ABO/NCLE exams and a state department-conducted examination.
Initial application and first registration fee is $108.
Triennial registration (renewal) fee is $50.
Continuing education: 18-20 hours per 3-year cycle.
Separate certificate required for contact lens dispensing.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $558 | 4–148 wks | |
| Connecticut | $650 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $509 | 4–148 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $385 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | — | 4–12 wks | → |
See how New York compares: Optician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare optician requirements across all states →
Optician licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure optician is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does New York compare to other states for optician? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your optician license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
Optician Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Official Sources
Optician requirements in New York verified against New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions, Ophthalmic Dispensing (administered by the State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing), March 2026.
Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to New York →
Transfer your Optician license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
New York requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions, Ophthalmic Dispensing (administered by the State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.