1. How many hours do I need to fulfill my license requirements?
Florida opticians are required to attend 20 hours of continuing education every two years. It can be broken down as follows:

A. Laws & Rules: 2 hours must be on Laws & Rules.
B. Elective: Up to 4 hours may be Management or Marketing related. However, these are not required.
C. Technical: You must attend at least 13 (but can have up to 17) hours directly related to the technical practice of opticianry (i.e. dispensing, contact lens, etc.).
D. AIDS/HIV: One hour must be instruction on Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
E. Reduction of Medical Errors: 2 hours on and shall include a study of root-cause analysis, error reduction and prevention, and patient safety.

2. How many apprentice hours do I need?
Apprentices are not required to earn general CE's at this time. However, apprentices not working for a board-certified optician may be required to complete a 32-hour Contact Lens Fitting Course. (POF will offer this course in the future.)

3. I just changed my designation, but I've already paid my dues for the year. Am I entitled to a refund? Do I have pay additional money to make up the difference?
A change in designation does not effect your membership dues until it is time to renew. There will be no refunds or additional charges. The new fee takes effect on your renewal date.

4. What is OAA and how does it benefit me as a POF member?
The Opticians Association of America is a national organization that acts as one voice in Washington D.C. for opticians associations throughout the country.

5. If I take OAA classes, do they count toward my Florida license?
Some OAA classes count toward Florida license, while others do not. Please contact OAA at  (703) 691-8355 to find out which ones are approved.

6. What does a membership in POF do for me?
POF is the only statewide association in Florida that works to improve the optical industry.  It employs a full-time staff and lobbyist in Tallahassee to make sure that the needs of opticians are given proper attention in the Legislature. If you're interested in becoming a member of POF, please contact us at (850) 201-2622.

7. If I am a licensed optician in another state and I move to Florida, do any of the educational hours I have transfer, or do I have to start over? What type of hours transfer?
Florida does not have reciprocity of opticianry licenses with any other state. Each state is handled differently. Please call the Board of Opticianry at (850) 245-4474 to find out which hours, if any, would transfer.

8. If I have a dispute, where do I take it?  Will the Board be able to help me?
If an optician is involved in a legal dispute with the Department of Health, they should consult an attorney experienced in defense of professional licenses in Florida.

9. I want to get into opticianry.  Where do I start?
If you're interested in becoming a licensed optician, please contact the Board of Opticianry at (850) 245-4474.

10. Can I study for the tests at home?  Where can I get written material?
The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) offers some study-at-home courses. Please contact them at
(800) 229-4828 or (301) 577-4828.

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