Optician Training and Certification in Kentucky

Kentucky is one of only twenty-three states that require optician licensing by law. Rules and regulations regarding optician training requirements, licensing, and certification are established by the Kentucky Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers. The following information will be relevant to you if you are wanting to be licensed as an optician in the state of Kentucky.


Kentucky State Opticianry Law:

Licensing: KRS 326.030 – KRS 326.990

No person shall engage in the practice of ophthalmic dispensing unless he or she is duly licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or optometry in this Commonwealth or unless he or she is the holder of a license as an ophthalmic dispenser.

General Eligibility Requirements:

  • More than eighteen (18) years of age
  • Of good moral character
  • Has graduated from high school or possesses a General Educational Development (GED)

Optician Training in KentuckyTraining Requirements:

  • Has at least two (2) years of satisfactory training and experience in ophthalmic dispensing under the supervision of an ophthalmic dispenser, physician, osteopath, or optometrist, or is a graduate of an accepted school of ophthalmic dispensing

Examination Requirements:


Licensure by Reciprocity:

You may be licensed as an ophthalmic dispenser without being required to meet the above standards, with the exception of the practical examination, if you…

  • Hold a valid license in another state whose qualifications at the time of licensure were equal to or higher than those requirements established in Kentucky
  • Have been actively engaged in the practice of ophthalmic dispensing for a period of two (2) years immediately preceding the date of application

Fees and Forms:

  • Application for Dispenser License, $50
  • Application for Practical Exam, $50
  • Application for Apprenticeship, $50
  • Application for Renewal, $50

State Contact Information:

Kentucky State SealPhone:          (502) 564-3296 ext 228
Fax:              (502) 696-4961
E-mail:         lindsey.lane@ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers
911 Leawood Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601

Web Site:   Kentucky Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers

State Association:   Society of Dispensing Opticians of Kentucky

7 Responses

  1. Tonia sutton
    Tonia sutton December 25, 2017 at 8:06 pm | | Reply

    I am a licensed optician in Tennessee. I have my ABO and NCLE. Sent my money for a license for Kentucky . Haven’t heard anything, also had Tennessee Board send a letter of my good standing.. I really could use a temporary or
    permanent license right now. Moving. Getting married. Haven’t heard anything.

  2. Jeanette Howard
    Jeanette Howard June 3, 2017 at 8:54 am | | Reply

    Hello, I have been an ABOC optician in WI for over 20 years. We are considering moving in the next 6 months. Would I not be able to get a job in Kentucky without further examinations if we move there?

  3. DERRICK MARTIN
    DERRICK MARTIN April 6, 2017 at 4:48 pm | | Reply

    I AM A OPTICIAN IN THE STATE OF MICH I GRADUATED FROM FERRIS STATE COLLEGE OPTICIAN PROGRAM WITH A.A.S IN OPTICAL DISPENSING. IM CURRENTLY WOKING AS A OPTICIAN. I AM PLANNING TO RELOCATE TO KENTUCKY. HOW CAN I BECOME LICENSE AS WELL AS HAVE SOME ONE SPONSOR ME

  4. Lauretta
    Lauretta May 12, 2016 at 12:51 pm | | Reply

    Hello; I have worked in an optometrists office dispensing glasses for over three years in Indiana, and have even worked a few shifts over the bridge (whether I was allowed to or not I was unaware). Is there any way to waive the apprenticeship period? Has this been done before? I feel confident I could pass any state examinations given the opportunity.

  5. Sandibel Lugo
    Sandibel Lugo November 21, 2013 at 5:05 pm | | Reply

    I am currently licensed in NC. I want to take the exam to see if I can obtain my license in KY. I do have the NCLE and ABO. But at this moment, I do not have a job yet. I need to know if that will be an issue, because in the application it asks for the location where I will be working. Please let me know if this will be an issue, I do intend to look for work once I obtain my license in KY.

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