Board of Dispensing Opticians
About the Board of Dispensing Opticians
The Board of Dispensing Opticians was created in 1955 by an act of the State Legislature. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice the profession of opticianry within this state be qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.
Opticians are licensed by examination.
The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office approximately forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. For those licensees who have "opted in," an email will be sent to the email address on file approximately seventy (70) days prior to the expiration date of the license. This is the only reminder a licensee shall receive. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line seventy (70) days prior to expiration at https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/. Click on "renew license" and follow the prompts. Failure to renew by the expiration date may result in a fine.
The Board is required to meet at least once per year, but typically convenes four (4) times per year. A quorum of four (4) members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the public.
All members of the Board are appointed by the Governor to serve four (4) year terms. The six (6) member Board consists of five (5) licensed opticians who must each have five (5) years experience and one (1) member who is a health care consumer.
Contact the Board of Dispensing Opticians
Call 615-532-5090 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
or write
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Email: Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov