In Virginia, optician licenses are issued by the Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians, which operates under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

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Licensure Requirements

To become a licensed optician in Virginia, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Be of good character as determined by the Board.

• Successfully complete one of the following pathways:

  • A two-year course at an approved school of opticianry.

  • A two-year apprenticeship approved by the Virginia State Board of Opticians and conducted in accordance with standards set by the Division of Apprenticeship Training of the State Department of Labor and Industry.

• Pass the licensing examination.

If previously licensed in another jurisdiction, applicants must:

• Be in good standing as a licensed optician in those jurisdictions.

• Meet the Board’s requirements.

• Licensure by endorsement may be available upon approval by the Board (an examination fee applies).

 

Licensure Renewal

• Licenses must be renewed biennially.

• At this time Continuing Education (CE) is not required for license renewal.

 

Additional Information

For more details, including:

• Examination schedules and content

• Licensing requirements for out-of-state opticians

• Endorsement for fitting contact lenses

Click here to visit the Board for Opticians' website.

 

Licensing for Out-of-State Opticians

Opticians licensed in another state may qualify for licensure in Virginia if:

• They meet all conditions listed above.

• They have passed an examination deemed substantially equivalent to Virginia’s by the Board.

 

Only the Board can make the final determination. Contact the Board to learn more or request an application form.