Dispensing Opticians

The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing staffs the Dispensing Optician program. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development adopts regulations to carry out laws governing the practice of dispensing opticians in Alaska. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws.

License Applications

Dispensing Optician Application for Licensure
#08-4151, Revised 06/19/19.

Dispensing Optician Apprentice Registration Application
#08-4002, Revised 01/17/2020.

Renewal Application

Dispensing Optician Biennial License Renewal
#08-4239 Revised 05/06/19.

Miscellaneous Forms

• Apprentice Termination of Sponsorship of Training
• Supervisor's Statement of Responsibility

Division forms may be found in the CBPL Quick links, located in the sidebar to the right.

Statutes and Regulations

Alaska Statutes are passed by the Legislature. Regulations (also called the Alaska Administrative Code) are rules adopted by the board to implement, interpret, and make specific the statutes. Both statutes and regulations have the force of law.

AS 08.71 and regulations 12 AAC 30 specifically govern dispensing optician practice. AS 08.01 - 08.03 and regulations 12 AAC 02 apply to all professions regulated by the division.

• Dispensing Optician Statutes and Regulations AS 08.71 and 12 AAC 30.
• Centralized Licensing Statutes AS 08.01-08.03. Applies to all professions.
• Centralized Licensing Regulations 12 AAC 02. Fees, name and address changes, examinations review, general provisions. Applies to all professions.

To receive notices for proposed regulation changes, please send a request in writing (mail or email) including your name, preferred contact method, and the program you want to be updated.

Regulations Specialist
RegulationsAndPublicComment@Alaska.Gov
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0806

Education Options for Dispensing Optician Licensure

To qualify for a dispensing optician license under AS 08.71.110(b), the Alaska Dispensing Optician Program accepts associate-level education from a recognized school or college of opticianry in lieu of training otherwise required under an apprentice registration. A recognized school or college of opticianry includes programs accepted by:

• The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA)
• National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS)
• Distance Education Accrediting Commison (DEAC), Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Click here for a list of recognized schools.

Information Regarding Examinations

Spectacles

• To qualify for a dispensing optician license to dispense spectacles, you must complete the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE). Click here to access the candidate handbook, or visit abo-ncle.org
• To qualify for a dispensing optician license to dispense spectacles, you must also complete the Career Progression Program offered by the National Academy of Opticianry. Click here for more information: nao.org

Contact Lenses

• To qualify for a dispensing optician license to dispense contact lenses, you must complete the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Click here to access the candidate handbook, or visit abo-ncle.org
• To qualify for a dispensing optician license to dispense contact lenses, you must also complete the Contact Lens Manual: Volume 1 study and reference guide provided by the Contact Lens Society of America. Click here for more information: clsa.info

Contact Information

Emily Mesch, Licensing Examiner
Phone: (907) 465-2541
E-mail: DispensingOpticians@Alaska.Gov
PO Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806