License Renewal Requirements
General Requirements
- Each license shall be renewed each year on or before December 31.
- For a renewal postmarked on or before December 31, or completed and submitted on-line before
that date, the renewal fee shall be $75 for ophthalmic dispensers and $50 for apprentice ophthalmic dispensers. - In addition to the renewal fee, a thirty-five (35) dollar late fee shall be paid on a renewal postmarked or submitted on the Department of Professional Licensing website after December 31.
- A license that has not been renewed by close of business on March 1 shall expire.
- Completion of continuing education hours which are directly related to the professional growth and development of ophthalmic dispensers. They may be earned by completing any of the following educational activities:
- The Society of Dispensing Opticians of Kentucky nka Opticians Association of Kentucky;
- The Opticians Association of America, or any of its affiliated state chapters;
- The Contact Lens Society of America, or any of its affiliated state chapters;
- The National Academy of Opticianary, or any of its affiliated state chapters;
- The American Optometric Association, or any of its affiliated state chapters;
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology, or any of its affiliated state chapters; or,
- The National Association of Optometrists and Opticians.
- An educational program from any other source shall be reviewed for relevancy to ophthalmic dispensing and subsequent approval by the board.
- Licenses issued after August 1st, are exempt from the continuing education requirement for renewal by December 31st of the same year.
Optician License Renewal
Applications for ophthalmic dispenser renewal licenses must be made with the board prior to expiration of the current license. Renewal optician licenses may be issued by the board:
- Upon receipt of an Application for Renewal for a licensed ophthalmic dispenser; or the on-line version of the renewal form maintained by the Department of Professional Licensing;
- Upon payment of a renewal fee; and,
- Provision of adequate proof that at least six (6) hours of continuing education credits, approved by the board,
during the previous twelve (12) months were obtained.
Apprentice License Renewal
Applications for renewal apprentice licenses must be made with the board prior to expiration of the current license. Renewal apprentice licenses may be issued by the board:
- Upon receipt of an Application for Apprentice Renewal;
- Upon payment of a renewal fee; and,
- Provision of adequate proof that at least four (4) hours of continuing education credits, approved by the board, during the previous twelve (12) months were obtained.
License Renewal Extensions
Applicants may request an extension of time to renew of up to sixty (60) days for reasons related to medical issues,
military service, or family emergencies. The applicant shall submit the request for an extension of time in
writing, and send the request to the board by certified mail on or before the March 1 expiration date.
License Reinstatement
All revoked and expired licenses shall be reinstated by the licensee to resume the practice of ophthalmic dispensing.
Optician License Reinstatement
The board may reinstate an ophthalmic dispenser license:
- Upon receipt of an Application for Reinstatement;
- Upon payment of a $300 reinstatement fee; and,
- Provision of adequate proof that at least twelve (12) additional hours of continuing education were obtained before the end of the current licensure year.
Apprentice License Reinstatement
The board may reinstate an apprentice ophthalmic dispenser license:
- Upon receipt of an Application for Apprentice Reinstatement;
- Upon payment of a $60 reinstatement fee; and,
- Provision of adequate proof that at least eight (8) additional hours of continuing education were obtained before the end of the current licensure year.
