01/16/2023
Dear NC Opticians,
We want to update you on a concerning situation happening in Nevada as of January 12, 2023. The Governor of Nevada issued an executive order to end professional licensure that is not in the majority of the other states. This order directly affects Opticianry licensure since there are only 22 states that require a license to dispense eyewear (including Nevada).
We can’t stress enough that your support and involvement in actively fighting for your licensure is crucial. Over the next several weeks the NCOA will utilize our campaigning service to once again ask for you to send in your stories as to why it is important we maintain our licensure. The link will match you directly with your legislature. However, don’t stop there! Send letters, visit and call your legislature to make it known that your license is important to the citizens of North Carolina.
We also ask that you consider donating to the legislative fund on the NCOA website (https://www.ncopticians.org/donations/donations). Every bit helps, and as Sue has pointed out we do not have a designated lobbyist. We are actively looking for a lobbyist but it requires money. The last time we asked for donations we received $600 with 90% of that from NCOA board members.
The hard truth is we are entering the long session of legislation, and we MUST have your support! So, I am asking that you get involved and ask your peers to join the NCOA in the fight for your licensure. None of this is possible without you.
The information regarding the Nevada Executive order is linked below.
https://gov.nv.gov/Newsroom/ExecOrders/2023/Executive_Order_2023-004/
Visit our website here at NCOA
Please remember that the NCOA is dedicated to educating and protecting North Carolina Opticians. Since 1950 the NCOA has been working to support the optical industry and the professionals working in North Carolina dispensaries daily.
Sincerely,
Janet Alspaugh, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC
President, NCOA