New York Optician License
New York is a licensed state with specific education and examination requirements. This guide covers everything you need to become a licensed optician in the Empire State.
State licensure mandatory
Annual average (2026)
Depends on pathway
Is a License Required in New York?
Yes, New York requires state licensure for opticians. To legally dispense eyeglasses or fit contact lenses in New York, you must hold an active license from the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions. Working as an unlicensed optician is prohibited and subject to penalties.
New York's licensing system is designed to ensure that opticians meet high professional standards in vision care. The state Board for Opticianry oversees licensure, continuing education, and professional conduct for all practicing opticians.
Important for Out-of-State Applicants
If you're already licensed in another state, New York offers endorsement pathways that may allow you to transfer your credentials. Contact the State Education Department for specific requirements based on your current license.
New York Optician License Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete ONE of the following:
- Associate Degree: A.A.S. in Ophthalmic Dispensing from an accredited program
- Three-Year Apprenticeship: 6,000 hours under a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist in New York
Pass both national certification exams:
Written exam covering eyeglass dispensing and optical theory
Written exam covering contact lens fitting and dispensing
Education Pathways in New York
Option 1: Associate Degree
The most direct path is completing a 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing. New York has several accredited programs that prepare students for both the ABO/NCLE exams and real-world optical practice.
New York Accredited Programs:
- • New York City College of Technology (CUNY) - Brooklyn, NY
- • Erie Community College - Buffalo, NY
- • Several online programs with New York clinical sites
Cost range: $8,000-$18,000 for in-state tuition (2 years)
Option 2: Three-Year Apprenticeship
New York's apprenticeship pathway requires 6,000 clinical hours (approximately 3 years full-time) under the direct supervision of a licensed professional. This is one of the longer apprenticeship requirements in the nation.
Critical Apprenticeship Requirements:
- Pre-Registration: You MUST register your apprenticeship with the State Education Department BEFORE beginning work. Late registration means lost hours.
- Supervising Professional: Must be a New York-licensed optician (3+ years), optometrist, or ophthalmologist in good standing.
- Hour Verification: Submit quarterly reports signed by your supervisor documenting hours and tasks performed.
- Comprehensive Training: Hours must include substantial experience in both spectacle and contact lens dispensing.
New York's Hour Tracking is Strict
The State Education Department randomly audits apprenticeship logs. Keep meticulous records with dates, hours, tasks, and supervisor signatures. Missing or falsified documentation will result in application denial and potential legal consequences.
ABO & NCLE Examination Guide
About the Exams
New York accepts the national ABO and NCLE certifications as proof of competency. Both are computer-based exams offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout New York State (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, etc.).
- • 125 multiple-choice questions
- • 3-hour time limit
- • 70% passing score (88 correct)
- • Covers optical theory, lens design, frame fitting
- • Fee: $75 per attempt
- • 125 multiple-choice questions
- • 3-hour time limit
- • 70% passing score (88 correct)
- • Focuses on contact lens fitting & care
- • Fee: $75 per attempt
Prepare for Your New York Optician Exams
New York opticians have among the highest first-time pass rates nationally, largely due to proper preparation. Opterio provides comprehensive ABO/NCLE study materials with 500+ practice questions, AI-powered explanations, and intelligent spaced repetition proven to improve retention and exam performance.
Start Studying with OpterioHow to Apply for Your New York License
Complete Your Education
Finish your associate degree OR register and complete your 6,000-hour apprenticeship with the State Education Department.
Pass ABO & NCLE Exams
Register through the ABO-NCLE website and pass both exams. You'll receive digital certificates that you'll submit with your application.
Create Your Account
Register on the New York State Education Department's online portal. You'll receive a unique ID number for tracking your application.
Submit Application & Documents
Upload all required documentation:
- • Official transcripts (if degree pathway)
- • Apprenticeship completion certificate (if apprenticeship pathway)
- • ABO and NCLE certificates
- • Application fee ($175)
- • Fingerprints for background check (if required)
Receive Your License
After the State Education Department reviews your application (typically 6-10 weeks), you'll receive your license number. Pay the license fee ($180) and your license will be mailed within 2-3 weeks.
Processing Time
Total timeline from application to receiving your physical license: 8-14 weeks. Incomplete applications or missing ABO/NCLE certificates can delay this significantly.
New York State Education Department Contact
Office of the Professions
State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 ext. 150
Website: op.nysed.gov/professions/opticians
Continuing Education Requirements
New York opticians must complete 18 hours of continuing education every 3 years (per triennial registration period). This ensures you stay current with evolving optical technology and industry standards.
Per 3-year cycle
- • Optical dispensing techniques
- • Contact lens technology
- • New York laws & ethics
- • Low vision devices
License Renewal
Licenses must be renewed every 3 years. The renewal fee is $195. New York uses a triennial registration system, and your renewal date is based on your birth month. Renew online through the State Education Department portal.
New York Optician Salary & Job Outlook
Annual average (2026)
Starting range
Experienced opticians
Salary by Region
| New York Metro Area | Average Salary | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Manhattan) | $58,200 | Very High |
| Long Island | $54,500 | High |
| Buffalo-Niagara Falls | $45,800 | Moderate |
| Rochester | $47,200 | Moderate |
| Albany-Schenectady | $48,500 | Moderate |
Job Growth Outlook
New York has strong demand for licensed opticians, particularly in the NYC metro area and Long Island. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in optician positions through 2032, faster than the national average.
New York currently employs approximately 4,800 licensed opticians, with the highest concentration in New York City and surrounding counties.
Related Resources
Official licensing authority with application forms and requirements.
Visit Website →Register for the ABO and NCLE national exams.
Visit Website →General optician career information and training guides.
View Resources →Comprehensive ABO & NCLE study platform for New York opticians.
Start Studying →Ready to Start Your New York Optician Career?
Now that you understand New York's requirements, prepare for your ABO and NCLE exams with Opterio's comprehensive study system trusted by opticians across the state.