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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmic medical technicians in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal ed annually

Licensing Blueprint for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Graduate of an Approved School of Ophthalmic Dispensing or two (2) years training and experience as an apprentice.

  6. 6

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS For an application, contact the regulatory agency.

  7. 7

    The Kentucky Practical examination is given in March, July and November each year.

  8. 8

    The examination fee for the Kentucky Practical is $25.00.

  9. 9

    You must score an average of 60%, with a minimum of 50% in any of the three (3) sections, and must successfully pass the two (2) national examinations

    • the National Contact Lens Examiners examination (fee is $125.00) and the American Board of Opticianry examination (fee is $95.00), given in May and November annually.
  10. 10

    Applicant must have completed at least two (2) years of satisfactory training and work experience as a licensed apprentice, approved by the Board, under a licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser, Physician, Osteopath or Optometrist.

Exam and processing details

  • Practical examination is given in March, July and November each year

Continuing education and program notes

  • CERTIFICATION You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Fee TypeAmount
The examination fee for the Kentucky Practical$25.00
the National Contact Lens Examiners examination (fee$125.00
and the American Board of Opticianry examination (fee$95.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal ed annually

  4. Salary Position

    $38,740 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required Practical examination is given in March, July and November each year.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS For an application, contact the regulatory agency.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (The examination fee for the Kentucky Practical: $25.00; the National Contact Lens Examiners examination (fee: $125.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Department of Professional Licensing~Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed annually; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $38,740, Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $44,080. Kentucky ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$38,740

Hourly estimate

$18.63
12% below national median

Difference: -$5,340

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,080
  • P2525th percentile$34,870
  • P50Median$38,740
  • P7575th percentile$46,040
  • P9090th percentile$50,070

State vs National Median

State: $38,740
National: $44,080

Total employment: 1,830 | Annual openings: N/A

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Ophthalmic Medical Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$60,810
#2Wisconsin$50,660
#3Vermont$49,080
#4Washington$48,960
#5Oregon$48,730

Nearby States Comparison

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$38,740Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Indiana$43,200Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$40,000Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$41,600Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$41,600Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$38,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam required3-18 years
Missouri$36,600Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$44,790Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers

500 Mero Street, 2 SC 32, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5027828810ext228

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss.

What education do you need to become a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Kentucky is $38,740. Salaries range from $29,080 (10th percentile) to $50,070 (90th percentile).

How does the Ophthalmic Medical Technicians salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $44,080, with a state median of $38,740.

How many Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 1,830 Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Ophthalmic Medical Technicianss in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Professional Licensing / Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers. Review agency details at https://bod.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Ophthalmic Medical Technicians license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed annually.