Administered by the State of California the Registered Dispensing Optician (RDO) Program is comprised of four sections:
Registered Dispensing Opticians (business location), Spectacle Lens Dispensers, Contact Lens Dispensers, and Nonresident Contact Lens Sellers.
- Registered Dispensing Optician: This registration is required for individuals, corporations, and firms engaged in the business of filling prescriptions of physicians and surgeons licensed by the Medical Board of California or optometrists licensed by the Board of Optometry for prescription lenses.
- Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser: A registered spectacle lens dispenser is authorized to fit and adjust spectacle lenses at any place of business holding a Registered Dispensing Optician certificate provided that the certificate of the registered spectacle lens dispenser is displayed in a conspicuous place at the place of business where he or she is fitting and adjusting.
- Registered Contact Lens Dispenser: A registered contact lens dispenser is authorized to fit and adjust contact lenses at any place of business holding a Registered Dispensing Optician certificate provided that the certificate of the registered contact lens dispenser is displayed in a conspicuous place at the place of business where he or she is fitting and adjusting.
- Registered Nonresident Contact Lens Seller: This registration is required for individuals, partnerships, and corporations located outside California that ship, mail, or deliver in any manner, contact lenses at retail to a patient at a California address.