Last verified against the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing (opens in a new tab). Sources: Board page + state law (2 sources).
Yes. New York licenses opticians through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing. Exams: the NOCE (written) and the ABO Practical (ABOP); fitting contact lenses also requires passing a separate examination. We checked the board’s official website on Oct 8, 2026; confirm current rules with the board before applying.
See New York’s official board page (opens in a new tab)
New York at a glance
| Licensed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| License types | Ophthalmic dispensing license; trainee permit ($30); limited permit ($35). Fitting contact lenses also requires passing a separate examination and contact lens fitting experience (Education Law §7124). |
| National exams | Written: ABO-NCLE NOCE (or comparable exam determined by the Department). Practical: ABO-NCLE ABO Practical (ABOP), after filing licensure application, passing NOCE, and Department approval |
| State practical or law exam | ABOP practical required (national exam, approved by NYSED); no state law exam stated |
| Training routes | NY-registered high school program or equivalent incl. one year of math (algebra/geometry) AND either a two-year collegiate ophthalmic dispensing program (NYSED-registered or nationally accredited, e.g., COA) OR a two-year (24-month) Department-approved training program with a trainee permit |
| CE and renewal | 18 contact hours per standard 3-year registration (≤3 hrs contact lens); contact-lens-certified: 20 hours (≥10 contact lens); exempt during first registration period (Education Law §7128) |
| Board | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing (opens in a new tab) |
| Verified | Oct 8, 2026 · Board page + state law (2 sources) |
Exams required in New York
Written: ABO-NCLE NOCE (or comparable exam determined by the Department). Practical: ABO-NCLE ABO Practical (ABOP), after filing licensure application, passing NOCE, and Department approval
State practical or law exam: ABOP practical required (national exam, approved by NYSED); no state law exam stated
Guides: ABO certification, NCLE certification, ABO/NCLE practical exams.
Training routes
NY-registered high school program or equivalent incl. one year of math (algebra/geometry) AND either a two-year collegiate ophthalmic dispensing program (NYSED-registered or nationally accredited, e.g., COA) OR a two-year (24-month) Department-approved training program with a trainee permit
Renewal and continuing education
As stated by the board: 18 contact hours per standard 3-year registration (≤3 hrs contact lens); contact-lens-certified: 20 hours (≥10 contact lens); exempt during first registration period (Education Law §7128) optical.education does not offer continuing education.
How to apply
Apply through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing (opens in a new tab). We don’t list application fees or forms; the board’s site has the current ones.
What state law says
- New York Education Law, Article 144 (§7124) (opens in a new tab): To fit contact lenses, a licensee must also pass a separate examination and have contact lens fitting experience satisfactory to the board.
- New York Education Law §7128 (Mandatory continuing education) (opens in a new tab): Licensed ophthalmic dispensers registering triennially must meet the mandatory continuing education requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician in New York?
Yes. New York licenses opticians through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing, per the board’s official website (checked Oct 8, 2026). Check the board for who must hold a license and any exemptions.
What exams are required for a New York optician license?
Written: ABO-NCLE NOCE (or comparable exam determined by the Department). Practical: ABO-NCLE ABO Practical (ABOP), after filing licensure application, passing NOCE, and Department approval. (per the board, checked Oct 8, 2026).
Does New York have its own optician exam?
ABOP practical required (national exam, approved by NYSED); no state law exam stated.
How many continuing education hours do New York opticians need?
As stated by the board: 18 contact hours per standard 3-year registration (≤3 hrs contact lens); contact-lens-certified: 20 hours (≥10 contact lens); exempt during first registration period (Education Law §7128). optical.education does not offer continuing education.
Who licenses opticians in New York?
The New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing.
Official sources
- https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/ophthalmic-dispensing/license-requirements-and-requirements-certificate-contact-lens (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/ophthalmic-dispensing/continuing-education (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- New York Education Law, Article 144 (§7124) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- New York Education Law §7128 (Mandatory continuing education) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)