Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.
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The Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians consists of six members: five licensed dispensing opticians and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. Licensed opticians prepare and dispense lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, contact lenses and optical devices as authorized by a written prescription from an optometrist or physician skilled in diseases of the eye. Dispensing opticians can be considered for licensure after meeting specific educational or work experience requirements and examination. Minutes, upon final approval by the Board, from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/opticians. |
Board Members: Steve Sanford, Chairman |
Board Staff: Brig Zimmerman |
Number of Active Licensees: Dispensing Optician: 1,113 |
2009 Meeting Dates: November 18, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians July: The Board voted to approve Jomo Harris of Riverdale for licensure by exam. September: The Board voted to approve John Royce Moore of Ambrose for licensure by reinstatement. The Board voted to suspend the license of Leticia Gould of Thomasville due to non-payment of student loan. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: It is illegal to practice as a dispensing optician with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at 478-207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at 404-463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/opticians. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-29 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians website. |
Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians to regulate the licensing and practice of dispensing opticians. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-29 is given to the Board whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |