§90-240. Examination

(a)        Applicants to take the examination for dispensing opticians shall be high school graduates or the equivalent who:

(1)        Have successfully completed a two-year course of training in an accredited school of opticianry with a minimum of 1600 hours or

(2)        Have completed three and one-half years of apprenticeship while registered with the Board under a licensed dispensing optician, with time spent in a recognized school credited as  part of the apprenticeship period or

(3)        Have completed three and one-half years of apprenticeship while registered with the Board under the direct supervision of an optometrist or a physician specializing in ophthalmology, provided the supervising optometrist or physician elects to operate the apprenticeship under the same requirements applicable to dispensing opticians.

(b)        The examination shall be confined to such knowledge as is reasonably necessary to engage in preparation and dispensing of optical devices and shall include the following:

(1)        The skills necessary for the proper analysis of prescriptions;

(2)        The skills necessary for the dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses; and

(3)        The processes by which the products offered by dispensing opticians are manufactured.

(c)        The examination shall be given at least twice each year at sites and on dates that are publicly announced 60 days in advance.

(d)       Each applicant shall, upon request, receive his or her examination score on each section of the examination.

(e)        The Board may include as part or all of the examination, any nationally prepared and recognized examination, and will periodically review and validate any exam in use by the Board. The Board will credit an applicant with the score on any national test taken in the last three years to the extent such test may be included in the North Carolina exam.

(f)        An applicant for admission on the basis of apprenticeship shall have worked full time under the supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist or physician trained in ophthalmology. An apprentice shall have obtained experience in ophthalmic fabricating and manufacturing techniques and processes for no less than six months and shall have gained experience in the other activities defined as dispensing herein.

(1951, c. 1089, s. 7; 1977, c. 755, s. 3; 1981, c. 600, s. 8.)