Texas Opticians Licensure
Target:
Opticians and the public
Sponsored by:
There are twenty-two state that require licensure to be an optician. Unfortunately for the public, Texas is not one of them. There is not any training required for someone to practice opticianry in this state. Opticians must take critical measurements and fabricate complicated eye glass prescriptions. The adjustment and alignment of glasses is critical to patient satisfaction and to obtaining optimal vision. Opticians should be able to demonstrate at least basic knowledge of these skills. There is a national certification known as the ABO (American Board of Opticianry http://www.abo-ncle.org/), this certification can provide a base line measure for the competency of every optician in the state with very little time and effort. The frame work is in place for a better future, please join us in our efforts to bring eye care to the level you would expect.
There are twenty-two state that require licensure to be an optician. Unfortunately for the public, Texas is not one of them. There is not any training required for someone to practice opticianry in this state. Opticians must take critical measurements and fabricate complicated eye glass prescriptions. The adjustment and alignment of glasses is critical to patient satisfaction and to obtaining optimal vision. Opticians should be able to demonstrate at least basic knowledge of these skills. There is a national certification known as the ABO (American Board of Opticianry http://www.abo-ncle.org/), this certification can provide a base line measure for the competency of every optician in the state with very little time and effort. The frame work is in place for a better future, please join us in our efforts to bring eye care to the level you would expect.
With your help, we can see that the public has qualified personel filling eyeglass prescriptions in Texas. Thank you for taking the time to sign this petition!
We signed the "Texas Opticians Licensure" petition!
# 218:
8:27 pm PDT, Jun 29,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 217:
8:38 am PDT, May 12,
Adil Mustafa, Pakistan
# 216:
7:55 pm PDT, Apr 29,
April Adame, Kentucky
# 215:
5:34 am PDT, Apr 28,
Diane Drake, Georgia
It would be in the best interest of the consumer to have opticians licensed in Texas. I am licensed in Georgia and travel all around the country, and find that the quality of care is significantly better in licensed states.
It would be in the best interest of the consumer to have opticians licensed in Texas. I am licensed in Georgia and travel all around the country, and find that the quality of care is significantly better in licensed states.
# 214:
7:16 am PDT, Apr 15,
Kim Barnett, Texas
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 213:
8:31 am PDT, Apr 14,
Chris Thomason, Texas
Let's give Opticians a better reputation with the public by making Texas a licensed state.
Let's give Opticians a better reputation with the public by making Texas a licensed state.
# 212:
2:49 pm PDT, Mar 21,
Name not displayed, Rhode Island
I have worked as an apprentice in a licensed state, and have mixed feelings, having witnessed "grandfathered" licensed opticians with very mediocre skills. The real issues are (1) lack of available training, (2) lack of information about how to enter this occupation, (3) time requirements that far outpace income potential, and (4) lack of mobility between states. Becoming an attorney is much more difficult than becoming an optician, but the path to becoming an attorney can be easily discovered. We can buy/sell mortgages anywhere in the world, but dispensing eyewear in a licensed state requires a long investment of time and money. As a country, we have truly lost site of our priorities, and it has become discouraging.
I have worked as an apprentice in a licensed state, and have mixed feelings, having witnessed "grandfathered" licensed opticians with very mediocre skills. The real issues are (1) lack of available training, (2) lack of information about how to enter this occupation, (3) time requirements that far outpace income potential, and (4) lack of mobility between states. Becoming an attorney is much more difficult than becoming an optician, but the path to becoming an attorney can be easily discovered. We can buy/sell mortgages anywhere in the world, but dispensing eyewear in a licensed state requires a long investment of time and money. As a country, we have truly lost site of our priorities, and it has become discouraging.
# 211:
8:25 am PDT, Mar 18,
Jonny Fuentes, Texas
# 210:
8:39 pm PST, Feb 20,
Larry Christopher, Tennessee
i am a licensed in the state of tennessee.You need to become a license state to have people implace to serve the consumer and protect them.
i am a licensed in the state of tennessee.You need to become a license state to have people implace to serve the consumer and protect them.
# 209:
7:06 am PST, Feb 16,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 208:
9:58 pm PST, Jan 8,
Jim Melanson, Connecticut
I am a Licensed Optician in Connecticut. If I were visiting a state without licensure, and needed glasses in an emergency, I would be very concerned about the level of service I would be receiving. At the very least, ABO certification should be required.
I am a Licensed Optician in Connecticut. If I were visiting a state without licensure, and needed glasses in an emergency, I would be very concerned about the level of service I would be receiving. At the very least, ABO certification should be required.
# 207:
6:09 pm PST, Dec 27,
Lori Fortner, Texas
Hair dressers and Nail techs are required to have a license, why not opticians! In addition there should be additional licensure for those who work with children's glasses. My 7 year old son was given glasses that were meant for an adult! Another time I was given sunglasses with one lens polarized horizontal, and the other vertical. Try explaining the problem to a person who has no concept of light principles! btw you loose depth perception, hazardous for driving!
Hair dressers and Nail techs are required to have a license, why not opticians! In addition there should be additional licensure for those who work with children's glasses. My 7 year old son was given glasses that were meant for an adult! Another time I was given sunglasses with one lens polarized horizontal, and the other vertical. Try explaining the problem to a person who has no concept of light principles! btw you loose depth perception, hazardous for driving!
# 206:
2:03 pm PST, Dec 19,
Sheryl Jeup, Texas
# 205:
5:27 pm PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 204:
2:19 pm PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 203:
1:10 pm PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, Texas
Although there are many knowledgeable opticians in the state, unfortunately they are the minority. Establishing a state license to practice Opticianry will create a minimum competency level for opticians in our great state. As it stands, especially in the chains, the less experience the better because the inexperienced opticain does not require anyhting more than minimum wage in turn increasing their profits at the expense of the patient/consumer. I have dispensed in Texas for 10 years and now work for a lens manufacturer North Texas. I have been ABO certified for all 10 years and a certified technical speaker for the ABO for the past two.
Although there are many knowledgeable opticians in the state, unfortunately they are the minority. Establishing a state license to practice Opticianry will create a minimum competency level for opticians in our great state. As it stands, especially in the chains, the less experience the better because the inexperienced opticain does not require anyhting more than minimum wage in turn increasing their profits at the expense of the patient/consumer. I have dispensed in Texas for 10 years and now work for a lens manufacturer North Texas. I have been ABO certified for all 10 years and a certified technical speaker for the ABO for the past two.
# 202:
12:43 pm PST, Dec 4,
Colleen Gelb, Texas
As an 18 veteran ABOC dispensing optician with an excellent reputation, patients would come into the shop complaining about the horrible glasses they received from the "mctician" down the street. After teaching the patients and showing them "how its done correctly" I made patients for life. Let's put an end to "Sally McTician" who worked at the local pizza joint last week who can now call herself and Optician just because she works in an OD office!!!
As an 18 veteran ABOC dispensing optician with an excellent reputation, patients would come into the shop complaining about the horrible glasses they received from the "mctician" down the street. After teaching the patients and showing them "how its done correctly" I made patients for life. Let's put an end to "Sally McTician" who worked at the local pizza joint last week who can now call herself and Optician just because she works in an OD office!!!
# 201:
12:36 pm PST, Dec 4,
Brad Gelb, Texas
# 200:
10:07 am PST, Dec 4,
Karlen McLean, Texas
I am a Florida licensed optician, now a resident of Texas. Having experienced licensed and unlicensed opticianry states, both as an eyecare professional and consumer, I can vouch for the fact that licensed opticians have proven skills that help protect the public's health, safety and welfare, as opposed to an unlicensed environment.
I am a Florida licensed optician, now a resident of Texas. Having experienced licensed and unlicensed opticianry states, both as an eyecare professional and consumer, I can vouch for the fact that licensed opticians have proven skills that help protect the public's health, safety and welfare, as opposed to an unlicensed environment.
# 199:
9:10 am PST, Dec 2,
Jaime Pace, Texas
# 198:
10:22 am PST, Dec 1,
Derrick Gobin, Texas
Texas should be licensed due to the fact that almost all medical fields require certifications and several states require a license optician on site to provide proper patient care. I jold a current ABOC and an expired License from GA which i cannot use or correlate with Texas.
Texas should be licensed due to the fact that almost all medical fields require certifications and several states require a license optician on site to provide proper patient care. I jold a current ABOC and an expired License from GA which i cannot use or correlate with Texas.
# 197:
6:15 pm PDT, Oct 19,
Bethley Giles, Virginia
# 196:
4:55 pm PDT, Oct 7,
J Shakim, Illinois
NEVER
NEVER
# 195:
6:29 pm PDT, Sep 28,
GEORGE FLEMMING, Nevada
I work in nevada and i'm about 6 mos away from getting my state license here. I to see a lot of mistakes made at private doctors offices under the doctors license. Made by a relative or teeny bopper. You guys will never get the respect and salary you should in one of the biggest states in the nation.
I work in nevada and i'm about 6 mos away from getting my state license here. I to see a lot of mistakes made at private doctors offices under the doctors license. Made by a relative or teeny bopper. You guys will never get the respect and salary you should in one of the biggest states in the nation.
# 194:
10:26 pm PDT, Sep 25,
Robert Giles, Virginia
How can we be confident in the quality of our glasses with people who aren't regulated and approved by the state they work in.
How can we be confident in the quality of our glasses with people who aren't regulated and approved by the state they work in.
# 193:
1:56 am PDT, Sep 25,
Simos Tarabatzis, Greece
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 192:
3:29 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Jennifer Guitton, Arizona
# 191:
8:22 am PDT, Sep 19,
Betty Manuel, Louisiana
# 190:
5:54 pm PDT, Sep 9,
Michael Murray, Florida
# 189:
5:12 pm PDT, Sep 7,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 188:
9:29 pm PDT, Sep 6,
Clinton Harris, Texas
To Whom It may concern: I would like to joint this effort with a 100%plus support for state Licensure for Opticians here in the Great State of Texas. I live and work here in Texas. I am currently licensed in both New York and Florida, and with these states procedures in place, patients can rest assure that "John Doe" who worked at burger king last month, is not measuring their seg heights.Another hard cold reality here in Texas, on a salary scale, especially with the chains, it is frustrating to say the least with the low salaries they offer to potential employees with years of experience, plus a licenses from a different state. In fact, it is near highway robbery here in Texas, when some employers offer you the low ball salaries.This is a shame and an outright injustice to Opticians around the country who went to optical schools, have AAS degrees and ABO ; NCLEC, etc, etc, etc from other states. Moreover candidates go through a tough testing phase for their licenses and then if you venture here in Texas you are told, " well, we cannot compensate because Texas don't have licenses requirements to comply with. In contrast, to draw some outrageous examples: To cut hair in Texas, you need a license. To get your nails done, you need a licenses. However, to measure and fabricate the end to end process of a medical device(AKA GLASSES), you don't need to be licensed. This is absolutely rediculous and illegal in my opinion.I welcome and would like to particpate in whatever efforts that is on the way, towards ensuring that the largest state in the union, joins the rest of the 22 states that have made the right decision to become licenses states.
To Whom It may concern: I would like to joint this effort with a 100%plus support for state Licensure for Opticians here in the Great State of Texas. I live and work here in Texas. I am currently licensed in both New York and Florida, and with these states procedures in place, patients can rest assure that "John Doe" who worked at burger king last month, is not measuring their seg heights.Another hard cold reality here in Texas, on a salary scale, especially with the chains, it is frustrating to say the least with the low salaries they offer to potential employees with years of experience, plus a licenses from a different state. In fact, it is near highway robbery here in Texas, when some employers offer you the low ball salaries.This is a shame and an outright injustice to Opticians around the country who went to optical schools, have AAS degrees and ABO ; NCLEC, etc, etc, etc from other states. Moreover candidates go through a tough testing phase for their licenses and then if you venture here in Texas you are told, " well, we cannot compensate because Texas don't have licenses requirements to comply with. In contrast, to draw some outrageous examples: To cut hair in Texas, you need a license. To get your nails done, you need a licenses. However, to measure and fabricate the end to end process of a medical device(AKA GLASSES), you don't need to be licensed. This is absolutely rediculous and illegal in my opinion.I welcome and would like to particpate in whatever efforts that is on the way, towards ensuring that the largest state in the union, joins the rest of the 22 states that have made the right decision to become licenses states.
# 187:
5:49 am PDT, Sep 6,
Robert Neiderman, New Jersey
This just seems so obvious, doesn't it?
This just seems so obvious, doesn't it?
# 186:
8:04 am PDT, Sep 4,
Donna Haxby, Washington
# 185:
9:31 am PDT, Sep 3,
Craig Thomasson, Texas
It would be a positive impact for our occupational future to endorse this petition to help bring our careers forward to a more professional level by requiring all dispensing opticians to be certified here in Texas.
It would be a positive impact for our occupational future to endorse this petition to help bring our careers forward to a more professional level by requiring all dispensing opticians to be certified here in Texas.
# 184:
5:27 am PDT, Sep 3,
Derek Thompson, Texas
I think it's crazy that TX isn't part of this.
I think it's crazy that TX isn't part of this.
# 183:
9:40 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Joseph Hollaway, Georgia
All states should have a minimum 2 year education/appenticeship requirement and state or national testing for optician licensure.
All states should have a minimum 2 year education/appenticeship requirement and state or national testing for optician licensure.
# 182:
9:36 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Name not displayed, Georgia
All 50 states require hairstylist to be licensed, yet less than half require Opticians to be licensed. Hair grows back, you can't say the same for eyesight. Why risk it? Require ALL opticians to have a license to practice.
All 50 states require hairstylist to be licensed, yet less than half require Opticians to be licensed. Hair grows back, you can't say the same for eyesight. Why risk it? Require ALL opticians to have a license to practice.
# 181:
11:07 am PDT, Sep 1,
Julie Thompson, New Jersey
I am taking the NJ ophthalmic dispenser boards in a few weeks. I have passed the ABO and NCLE...these exams do not require nearly enough knowledge about optics to earn anyone the title "optician". Optics is very intricate. If one thing is wrong, it can distort the way you see everything and that is just dangerous. Who would you feel better purchasing glasses from, a licensed professional or someone who was flipping burgers yesterday? I choose the professional.
I am taking the NJ ophthalmic dispenser boards in a few weeks. I have passed the ABO and NCLE...these exams do not require nearly enough knowledge about optics to earn anyone the title "optician". Optics is very intricate. If one thing is wrong, it can distort the way you see everything and that is just dangerous. Who would you feel better purchasing glasses from, a licensed professional or someone who was flipping burgers yesterday? I choose the professional.
# 180:
8:35 am PDT, Aug 26,
Leah Strangos, Pennsylvania
# 179:
4:56 pm PDT, Aug 25,
Ian MacIvor, Canada
# 178:
11:20 am PDT, Aug 25,
Virginia Evans, Texas
Texas should be a licensed state, the big box chains hire anyone to work in the optical, and that is evident when our patients have to go where there insurance is accepted and they can't see through there glasses and they are made out of tolerance and measurements are not correct. It is very fustrating for the patient, they should be able to go anywhere and get a good pair of glasses. Licensure will ensure that happens. Thank You
Texas should be a licensed state, the big box chains hire anyone to work in the optical, and that is evident when our patients have to go where there insurance is accepted and they can't see through there glasses and they are made out of tolerance and measurements are not correct. It is very fustrating for the patient, they should be able to go anywhere and get a good pair of glasses. Licensure will ensure that happens. Thank You
# 177:
8:22 am PDT, Aug 25,
Andrew Weiss, North Carolina
Licensure is the only way to ensure quality control in this health care area. Licensure encourages optical professionals to get the education and training they need to do their jobs properly. I've been licensed as an optician in Massachusetts since 1972, and it really does make a difference in the level of professionalism and the quality of care.
Licensure is the only way to ensure quality control in this health care area. Licensure encourages optical professionals to get the education and training they need to do their jobs properly. I've been licensed as an optician in Massachusetts since 1972, and it really does make a difference in the level of professionalism and the quality of care.
# 176:
2:33 pm PDT, Aug 22,
Mark Hunter, Florida
You vision is the most important sense that we have. We should put our eyes in a profesional eyecare provider that is certified in the field, and have all the expertise to give a standard of excellence to your vision needs.
You vision is the most important sense that we have. We should put our eyes in a profesional eyecare provider that is certified in the field, and have all the expertise to give a standard of excellence to your vision needs.
# 175:
10:55 am PDT, Aug 15,
Ginger Taube, Texas
Texas should become a licensed state. I have been in the business for 10 years and nothing is worse than an optician that doesn't know what they are doing. Our eyes are precious and should be taken care of properly.
Texas should become a licensed state. I have been in the business for 10 years and nothing is worse than an optician that doesn't know what they are doing. Our eyes are precious and should be taken care of properly.
# 174:
6:42 am PDT, Aug 15,
Donald Strowd, Texas
# 173:
7:34 am PDT, Aug 14,
Name not displayed, Washington
I believe in quality care. I have watched a number of non licensed opticians working in private practice that don't have the proper skills or desire to continue to learn their craft. I believe this seriously handicaps the consumer.
I believe in quality care. I have watched a number of non licensed opticians working in private practice that don't have the proper skills or desire to continue to learn their craft. I believe this seriously handicaps the consumer.
# 172:
|
9:35 pm PDT, Aug 13,
Ben Carter, Texas
Yes, I would like Texas to require optician licence. I have worked with several "opticians" that are in name only and I know it hurts all of us. These untrained and unlicensed people do an injustice to our trade! So, PLEASE adopt the rule of mandatory licence in our great state of Texas. |
# 171:
7:25 pm PDT, Aug 13,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 170:
10:19 am PDT, Aug 13,
Gail Taylor, Texas
During my 34 years of an ABO optician, I have seen the public not understand the place opticians take in the field of optics. The optometirst have tried to not only control but to minimize the professionalism of others within the field. If the state of Texas does not keep up with the professional fields within carreers, they will lose repect of other states as well as the people and popultaion of the state. People coming from states with licience and respect for professionals are not only amazed that the state is so far behind, but sadden to find that there is no respect for ability.
During my 34 years of an ABO optician, I have seen the public not understand the place opticians take in the field of optics. The optometirst have tried to not only control but to minimize the professionalism of others within the field. If the state of Texas does not keep up with the professional fields within carreers, they will lose repect of other states as well as the people and popultaion of the state. People coming from states with licience and respect for professionals are not only amazed that the state is so far behind, but sadden to find that there is no respect for ability.
# 169:
7:42 am PDT, Aug 12,
Jeffrey Kravitz, New Jersey
# 168:
7:18 am PDT, Aug 12,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
All Opticians should be licensed. The education that is incorporated in licensure is invaluable. Do the right thing by the public.
All Opticians should be licensed. The education that is incorporated in licensure is invaluable. Do the right thing by the public.
# 167:
6:40 am PDT, Aug 12,
Nicole Thompson, Texas
# 166:
9:30 pm PDT, Aug 11,
Howard Beroff, New Jersey
We license hair stylists and dog groomers, yet many states allow un-licensed practicianers to make or dispense a CRITICAL MEDICAL PRODUCT such as eyeglasses. Here in New Jersey we license opticians; all states should have such requirements.
We license hair stylists and dog groomers, yet many states allow un-licensed practicianers to make or dispense a CRITICAL MEDICAL PRODUCT such as eyeglasses. Here in New Jersey we license opticians; all states should have such requirements.
# 165:
12:35 pm PDT, Aug 11,
Brian Thomas, New Jersey
Non-licensure for opticians is insanity! Do you want people on the highways with improperly made spectacles? Think about it and all of the other people and situations where you could be harmed by poorly prepared spectacles.
Non-licensure for opticians is insanity! Do you want people on the highways with improperly made spectacles? Think about it and all of the other people and situations where you could be harmed by poorly prepared spectacles.
# 164:
8:29 am PDT, Aug 11,
Adolphus Williams, Texas
I have seen too many pairs of glasses with bad measurements or bad framestyles. This is long overdue for Texas. I have been in this field for 15 years with most time spent in the lab and being certified for most of that time.
I have seen too many pairs of glasses with bad measurements or bad framestyles. This is long overdue for Texas. I have been in this field for 15 years with most time spent in the lab and being certified for most of that time.
# 163:
7:51 am PDT, Aug 11,
Jonny Fuentes, Texas
# 162:
7:28 am PDT, Aug 11,
John May, Texas
As an optician for nearly 30 yrs in Texas and being ABOC for most of them, I think this is the right thing to do. Literally you can be flipping burgers one day and selling glasses the next.
As an optician for nearly 30 yrs in Texas and being ABOC for most of them, I think this is the right thing to do. Literally you can be flipping burgers one day and selling glasses the next.
# 161:
7:25 am PDT, Aug 11,
Mark Rice A.B.O.M., Texas
I often wonder how many auto accidents could have been avoided if the drivers vision was really all it could have been. I see multiple patients every week come in wearing eyeglasses that I know have been impairing their vision due to a poor fit. I believe a required license to fit eyewear in Texas would make safer drivers as well as enhance the visual well being of the citizens of this great state. I have been an optician for 35 years. I believe if we have a required license in Texas it will hold opticians accountable for their work and fewer patients would be wearing misfit eyewear and that would be a very good thing.
I often wonder how many auto accidents could have been avoided if the drivers vision was really all it could have been. I see multiple patients every week come in wearing eyeglasses that I know have been impairing their vision due to a poor fit. I believe a required license to fit eyewear in Texas would make safer drivers as well as enhance the visual well being of the citizens of this great state. I have been an optician for 35 years. I believe if we have a required license in Texas it will hold opticians accountable for their work and fewer patients would be wearing misfit eyewear and that would be a very good thing.
# 160:
7:38 pm PDT, Aug 10,
Michelle Leathers, Texas
# 159:
9:14 am PDT, Aug 10,
Louis Richard Ricciardi, Texas
A must to protect the public from poor quality and workmanship.
A must to protect the public from poor quality and workmanship.
# 158:
9:11 am PDT, Aug 10,
Elizabeth Ann Ricciardi D.ED, Texas
Long over due to the state of Texas.
Long over due to the state of Texas.
# 157:
2:27 pm PDT, Aug 9,
Richard Ross, F.N.A.O., A.B.O.C., Texas
Looking at the state of the industry in Texas today people that dispense glasses and contact lenses should meet a minimum knowledge and ability requirement that licensing would and should require. It's sad that patients have to put up with inferior quality and service at the majority of places that provide eyewear.
Looking at the state of the industry in Texas today people that dispense glasses and contact lenses should meet a minimum knowledge and ability requirement that licensing would and should require. It's sad that patients have to put up with inferior quality and service at the majority of places that provide eyewear.
# 156:
9:40 am PDT, Aug 9,
Steve Ogilvie, Texas
# 155:
8:56 am PDT, Aug 9,
Andi Alnwick, New York
# 154:
8:12 am PDT, Aug 9,
Name not displayed, Texas
# 153:
8:02 am PDT, Aug 9,
Douglas Yepez, ABOC, Texas
# 152:
7:14 am PDT, Aug 9,
Miriam Garica, ABO, CPO, Texas
# 151:
3:19 pm PDT, Aug 8,
Linda Mooney, Texas
We see patients every day who have been fitted with glasses that are not adjusted or measured properly. The effects of the inadequate service they've received at opticals that do not hire qualified opticians is compromised vision, headaches, and frustration, just to name a few. Please require all Texas opticals to only allow licensed, qualified opticians to service patients and fit them with prescription glasses.
We see patients every day who have been fitted with glasses that are not adjusted or measured properly. The effects of the inadequate service they've received at opticals that do not hire qualified opticians is compromised vision, headaches, and frustration, just to name a few. Please require all Texas opticals to only allow licensed, qualified opticians to service patients and fit them with prescription glasses.
