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New
York Licensed Opticians FAQs
CEC Order Form
|
Q |
I am a
New York state licensed optician, how many continuing education
credits do I need to earn? |
|
A
|
During each
three year licensing period, licensed ophthalmic need dispensers
need to complete 18 hours of approved continuing education. If you
wish, three of these hours may be on subjects relative to the fitting
and dispensing of contact lenses. If you are also certified to fit
contact lenses, you need to complete 20 hours of approved continuing
education, and 10 of these hours must be on subjects relative to
the fitting and dispensing of contact lenses. On questions relating
to your licensing requirements its always best to contact the state
board directly. Follow this
link
or call them at 518-474-6374. |
|
Q
|
How many
credits am I allowed to earn through the Internet? |
|
A
|
You may earn
as many of your credits as you wish through the Internet as long
as the courses qualify as "live" courses; that is those
where you interact directly with the instructor. All of the Internet
courses offered by the Optical Training Institute qualify as being
"live" courses since you have direct interaction with
the instructor. |
|
Q
|
How
many credits do you offer through the Internet? |
|
A
|
We
currently offer 29 credits in the area of spectacle dispensing and
18 credits in the area of contact lens dispensing. And we are continually
adding more courses. Since the Optical Training Institute is an approved
provider of continuing education, all of these courses are approved
for New York licensed opticians |
|
Q
|
Can
I combine Internet credits and credits I earn through other means,
such as by attending seminars, to meet my requirements? |
|
A
|
Yes.
You can combine credits earned at seminars or self study with those
earned through the Internet to satisfy your requirements. |
|
Q
|
Can
the credits I earn online also be used for my ABO and/or NCLE certification? |
|
A
|
Yes.
If you are ABO and /or NCLE certified you can simultaneously earn
credits for these agencies, while you satisfy your state requirements.
And there is no additional charge. |
|
Q
|
To
earn credits online, what is required other than studying the course
and taking the multiple choice quiz. |
|
A
|
In
order to qualify as being a "live" course, you will be required
to interact with the instructor. This is typically accomplished through
the exchange of emails. |
|
Q
|
What
about "Credits by Mail"? I've heard that I can only earn
3 credits towards my New York license using CECs by Mail. |
|
A
|
That's true.
Since these are not considered "live" courses, the state
board only allows you to earn three continuing education credits
through the mail during each three year licensing period. |
|
Q
|
How much
do credits cost? Do I pay more if I need them for my state license
and national certification through the ABO/NCLE. |
|
A
|
Ordering
your credits though the Internet is economical. If you order up to
five credits the cost per credits just $18.50. As you order more credits,
the cost per credit gradually decreases. Here is the price
list: |
|
Q
|
I
also have a license in another state, can I apply the credits to both? |
|
A
|
Each
state has unique requirements. Some will accept ABO/NCLE approved
credits earned through the Internet and others will not. Check with
you state board. If your state does except these credits you can certainly
apply them– and at no additional cost. |
|
Q
|
How
long does to take to receive my credits once I have completed the
course. |
|
A
|
Your
state evidence of completion form and/or ABO/NCLE credits are mailed
to you within two business days after your have completed your courses. |
|
Q
|
What do I do with my credits once I receive them? |
|
A
|
The
New York state board conducts random audits, so be sure to keep your
credits in a safe place in the event you are audited. In the case
of the ABO/NCLE, you mail a perforated portion of the form you receive
to the ABO's address which is printed on the form. |
|
Q
|
Suppose
I want to speak to someone with questions regarding my credits. |
|
A
|
It's
always best to contact the state board directly if you have any questions
regarding your license. You can call them at 518-474-6374. Of course
you are always welcome to contact
the Optical Training Institute as well with questions concerning your
CEC requirements. |
|
Q
|
I
do not want to use my credit card to purchase courses over the Internet,
I would like to pay by check. But I would still like to earn my credits
online. Can I do this? |
|
A
|
Yes.
Just mail us a list of the courses you would like to take along with
your name, address, email address, and a check for the amount of the
courses you are taking. We will then establish an account for you
so you can gain access to your courses. Or call us at 949-551-5455
and we will fax or mail you a form designed for this purpose. |
|
Q
|
I
would like to earn credits through the mail. Can I still do this? |
|
A
|
Yes. If you wish, you can view a list of courses which are available through the mail or go directly to the printable course order form which you can then mail or fax to the Optical Training Institute to place your order. |