Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians Arkansas Department of Health

Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians

The Board is charged with administering, coordinating, and enforcing the Ophthalmic Dispensing Act codified at Ark. Code Ann. 17-89-101 et seq. "Ophthalmic Dispensing" includes the preparation of laboratory work orders, verification and dispensing of spectacle lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, or parts thereof to the intended wearer, on written prescription from ophthalmologists or optometrists. More detail is provided in Ark. Code 17-89-102 (1)(A)&(B).

The Board's duties include evaluating qualifications to take the licensing examination, establishing the format and content of the examination, and administering the written and practical examination for licensed dispensing opticians. The Board then issues a certificate of licensure or certificate of registry to those applicants who successfully meet the qualifications and pass the examination.

The Board investigates complaints, allegations, and charges of practices that violate the provisions of the Ophthalmic Dispensing Act and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act. These complaints are against licensed dispensing opticians and against a business that is acting as licensed dispensing opticians without being licensed.

The Board compiles and maintains a book of licensure and registry of all Dispensing Opticians who are licensed are registered to engage in the business of ophthalmic dispensing in the State.

The Board promulgates rules which establish which acts shall constitute improper conduct and grounds for revocation or suspension of a license or registry or for refusal to renew a license or registry. It also promulgates rules and regulations conforming to the policies of the Act for the purpose of carrying into effect the purpose of the Act. This includes establishing ethical standards of ophthalmic dispensing practices, application procedures, and procedures for investigating complaints.

The Board registers apprentice dispensing opticians who work with licensed or registered opticians.

The duties and functions of the Board are listed completely in Ark. Code Ann. 17-89-203.

Forms & Publications

Resources:

The Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians’ licensed and apprentice certificates must be renewed annually by July 1st. Pursuant to Board Rule 144.00.1-11. Annual Renewal, Licensees must obtain four (4) hours of the required continuing education in even-numbered years (2020). Due to covid-19, many licensees do not feel comfortable attending in-person educational meetings.

There are concerns that some provisions within the Board’s rules may prevent or hinder the Board from rendering maximum assistance to the citizens of Arkansas while they are trying to adhere to guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Considering the State’s COVID-19 response and the Governor’s call for social distancing, this rule will be suspended pursuant to EO 20-16 until the current state of emergency is declared over by the Governor which will make it possible for licensees to obtain the required 9 hours of CEC’s before renewing July 1, 2021.

Office	Address	Phone
Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians Contact: Jerry Himes, Secretary-Treasurer	P.O. Box 627 Helena, AR 72342	870-572-2847

Arkansas Department of Health

Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians

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