8-7-21

Bill HB911 has had the section that would have weakened our license removed. Thank you all for your help and support with making that happen.

Attention Alamance Opticians, please get in touch with your representative Dennis Ridell to dispute HB911. Dennis Ridell is the sponsor of the bill threatening your license. It is imperative you and your family, friends, and patients contact him immediately. Here is a link with his phone number, email, mailing address, and office address. Please get in touch with him through multiple avenues. https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/H/665

There is currently a bill being proposed by our state legislators that will directly affect you. HB911 has significant changes proposed to licensure requirements, the definition of opticians, and the field of opticianry.  Overall, the changes allow those with less knowledge and practical experience to take on the role of “dispensing optician.”  The changes not only affect who will be hired for new optician positions but also the level of expertise which patients will experience when purchasing eyewear. 

To oppose the bill and help protect your license, click here to go to a 3 step process that will allow you to message key legislators in our state to help stop this bill from passing. 

1.Fill out your contact information and you will be immediately matched with key NC Legislators.

2.Use our form letter and feel free to add a personal story or message. Don’t forget to enter a personal subject line.

3.Send, then share on Facebook and Twitter, so others may join in ensuring the health and safety of North Carolinians and the protection of all Licensed Opticians in North Carolina.

Having family, friends, and patients contact their legislators will demonstrate that opposing HB911 is important to the constituents in our state.  https://ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators

An additional way to show your support and express to your legislators that you care about your profession while helping display strength in numbers is to join the NCOA.  You can now do this online on our website here.

Below are two letter templates you can use to write your legislators. Click below to view the template. Each page has a link to easily download the letter you prefer and fill in a few blanks. You are welcome to write your own letter, but we wanted to provide an easy way for you to reach out.
Letter #1 Template
Letter #2 Template

Check here for updates on the bill on the NC General Assembly Website
Stay tuned for more updates from the NCOA

See the chart below for a quick breakdown of the proposed bill, HB911, and ideas to begin writing to your legislator.