§ 17-89-302 - Qualifications -- Licensed dispensing opticians.
17-89-302. Qualifications -- Licensed dispensing opticians.
(a) Every applicant for examination as a licensed dispensing optician shall present satisfactory evidence to the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians that he or she is over twenty-one (21) years of age, of good moral character, a high school graduate or the equivalent thereof, and either:
(1) Is a graduate of a school of opticianry whose curriculum consists of at least eighteen (18) months of didactic and practical instruction which is accredited by a national accreditation organization and approved by the board; or
(2) (A) Has been engaged in the providing of ophthalmic dispensing services, as defined in this chapter, in the State of Arkansas for a period of not less than five (5) years immediately prior to application.
(B) No more than three (3) years may consist of:
(i) Working in a qualified service optical laboratory approved by the board; or
(ii) Providing ophthalmic dispensing services under the direct supervision of an Arkansas-licensed or registered dispensing optician, Arkansas-licensed optometrist, or Arkansas physician skilled in diseases of the eye.
(b) All persons making application for licensure as licensed dispensing opticians must successfully complete the written and practical examination prepared and conducted by the board.