Arizona Board of Dispensing Opticians

This report addresses the 12 Sunset Factors the Legislature is to consider in determining whether to continue or terminate the Arizona Board of Dispensing Opticians. The Board licenses and regulates opticians and optical establishments that dispense prescription optical devices, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and artificial eyes, to the public.  Licenses and complaints are processed in a timely manner and the Board generally appears to be functioning well.  It receives few consumer complaints each year and, based on a review of these complaints, no significant harm would likely result if the Board were terminated.  However, the Board does help protect the public’s welfare through its efforts to resolve complaints and ensure consumers are compensated when appropriate.  If the Board is continued, it should make some improvements to the administration of its licensing examination and to its complaint processing.  In addition, the Legislature should consider modifying Board statutes relating to examination confidentiality, complaint verification, and licensing exemptions.