Dispensing Optician Committee: Structure, Purpose, and Recruitment

Within the Board is the Dispensing Optician Committee (DOC), a committee charged with advising and making recommendations to the Board on the regulation of opticianry. The Board is excited to announce that the DOC composition has been adjusted and appointment power transferred to the Board itself, following the passing of the Board’s sunset bill, SB 776, and the Board is now commencing a recruitment period to attract qualified candidates. An overview of the DOC is provided in the graphic below. Interested candidates are encouraged to access and complete the Board’s DOC Appointment Questionnaire.

California State Board of Optometry
Dispensing Optician Committee
Category Details
Purpose Advises and makes recommendations to the California State Board of Optometry on the regulation of opticianry.
Composition 3 Members:
  • 1 Registered Dispensing Optician
  • 1 Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser or Registered Contact Lens Dispenser
  • 1 Public Member or Licensed Optometrist
Appointment Appointed by the California State Board of Optometry. At least one member must be a sitting board member who meets the qualifications.
Terms 4-year term (except initial staggered terms). May be reappointed, but no more than 2 consecutive terms
Meetings At least twice per year, and as needed.
Key Duties
  1. Recommend registration standards and criteria for dispensing opticians and
  2. Review disciplinary guidelines
  3. Recommend regulatory changes or additions
  4. Carry out duties imposed by law or delegated by the board
Board Oversight Board must act on committee recommendations within 90 days. If rejected or significantly changed by the Board the Committee may request that the Board provide its reasons in writing for rejecting or significantly modifying the recommendation, which shall be provided by the Board within 30 days of the request.
Recruitment Notes Candidates must meet statutory qualifications. Recruitment and vacancies are handled by the Board. Public member shall not be licensed in optometry or related fields.

To register interest please fill out this form: DOC Appointment Questionnaire