Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding services in opticial shops

Table of Contents

FAQs

1) Q. What is the Board’s definition of the following?

  •  Sales associate
  •  Eyewear consultant
  •  Frame stylist
  •  Optical shop receptionist

A. These are not positions that fall within the Board’s regulations. Thus, the Board has no authority to define the scope of these positions. However, without a license as a dispensing optician, a certificate as an apprentice optician or falling into one of the regulatory exceptions, an individual holding one of these positions may not perform activities which are within the definition of a “dispensing optician” as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, s. 73C or the “practice of opticianry” in 235 CMR 2.04.

2) Q. What is the board’s definition of dispensing a pair of eyeglasses?

A. Please see the Board’s regulations 235 CMR, especially section 2.04 which defines the practice of opticianry.

3) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to answer the phones?

A. No.

4) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to dispense eyeglasses?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04.

5) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to hand out eyeglasses?

A. No. However, a licensed optician must be in the same room. The prescription must be physically verified by a licensed dispensing optician (or optometrist, medical doctor) prior to handing out, NO ADJUSTMENTS, of any product, for both glasses and contact lenses.

6) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to make eye exam appointments?

A. No, this activity is not considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04

7) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to perform doctor pre-exam tests?

A. No, pre-exam tests do not fall within the definition of “opticianry” in 235 CMR 2.04. Other licensing laws may apply.

8) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to adjust glasses?

A. Yes, provided the adjustment does include services that fall within the definition of “dispensing optician” in G.L. c. 112, s. 73C or “practice of opticianry” in 235 CMR 2.04.

9) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to enter a customer’s general information into a computer?

A. No.

10) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to enter prescription related information into a computer?

A. Yes. This activity involves the interpreting and inputting of prescription information and is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04.

11) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to measure a customer for frame or lens fittings?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04.

12) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to make recommendations regarding frame fitting with a customer?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04.

13) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to discuss style trends and give fashion advice?

A. No. However non-licensed employees should steer clear of giving advice regarding fitting and technology.

14) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to explain prescription requirements?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 265 CMR 2.04.

15) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to give advice regarding lens requirements and/or add-on options such as antireflective coating, transitions, blue light filters, etc.?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 265 CMR 2.04.

16) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to give advice regarding frame fitting? (i.e., good for distance vision, good for a progressive, sizing, etc?)

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 235 CMR 2.04.

17) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to process a payment for a customer?

A. No.

18) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to process a warranty remake order?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 265 CMR 2.04.

19) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to place a duplicate order from a previous sale?

A. Yes. This activity is considered the “practice of opticianry” as defined in 265 CMR 2.04.

 

20) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to perform contact lens insert and removal training to a patient?

A. No, contact lens insert and removal training does not fall within the definition of “optcianry” in 235 CMR 2.04. Other licensing laws may apply.

21) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to tend to the frame displays (i.e., clean, sort and arrange frames)?

A. No.

22) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to assist in the optometrist or ophthalmologist’s office?

A. No. However, Board of Optometry or Board of Medicine regulations apply.

23) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to discuss sales promotions?

A. No.

24) Q. Is a Dispensing Optician’s License or Apprentice Certificate required for an employee to work in a lab?

A. No. However all work must be physically verified by the owner doctor or licensed optician before the customer receives the product.

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