Frequently Asked Questions

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:

Two (2) hours must be on Florida laws & administrative rules governing the profession.

B. Technical:

At least eleven (11) hours shall be directly relating to the technical profession of Opticianry (i.e. dispensing, contact lens, etc.). Board Certified Opticians shall receive at least four (4) hours in contact lens theory and practice.

C. Reduction of Medical Errors:

Two (2) hours on and shall include a study of root-cause analysis, error reduction and prevention, and patient safety.

D. Electives:

Five (5) hours may be on any of the listed topic (A, B or E) or may be in a management, sales, stress management , risk management or marketing related topic.

E. NEW AIDS/HIV:

One (1) hour AIDS/HIV training will now only be required for newly licensed opticians during their intitial renewal that CEs are required.

2. 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.

3. If I take OAA classes, do they count toward my Florida license?
Certain OAA classes count towards your Florida license. Please contact OAA to find out which courses are approved.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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, or visit the board's website.