Message from OAG to OAA

2009 OAA Resolution Proposal

H. The Profession of Opticianry

Proposed Title Protection Act

8-2: Use of the title of Optician

Whereas, the title Optician is widely used by persons in the field of

opticianry, without legitimate credentialing of any kind; and

Whereas use of the title Optician by non-credentialed personnel misleadingly

creates an unwarranted presumption of competence to the unknowing and

unsuspecting public; and

Whereas consumers have the right to expect competent service and delivery

of competently crafted eyewear products that are functional to their needs; and

Whereas use of the title Optician discredits conscientious professional

Opticians who validate their expertise at the state and national level by obtaining

and maintaining credentialing that attests to a minimum basic competence, now

therefore be it;

Resolved that use of the title Optician shall be reserved exclusively to and for

persons who have - at a minimum - successfully passed the American Board of

Opticianry basic competency exam or substantially equivalent state examinations,

with attendant recognition for contact lenses technicians who successfully pass the

National Contact Lenses Examination or substantially equivalent state

examinations, and be it further;

Resolved such credentialing shall be maintained, attesting to an ongoing

effort to maintain competence and professionalism, by wearing an appropriate and

visible name tag in performing the duties of opticianry and/or contact lenses

applications as appropriate.

Submitted,

Thomas Blair, Jr., LDO, ABOM

President, OAG

770 348-9955 (vm)

Tblair3@bellsouth.net