Paid work • Structured learning • Professional licensure

From optical hire to licensed optician—one clear pathway.

FRAME Virginia is developing a Registered Apprenticeship intermediary model for dispensing opticianry in Charlottesville and Central Virginia, in coordination with Virginia Works.

See the pathway Start an employer conversation

Virginia nonstock corporation Optician-led Intermediary registration in development

Under the proposed model, employers retain hiring, pay, supervision, and workplace training while FRAME helps coordinate registered standards, approved instruction, progress records, reporting, and the path to licensure.

A working route to licensure needs more than an hour counter.

FRAME is being built to give employers one coordination point for registration support, training standards, approved instruction, progress records, and completion—while the apprentice earns a paycheck and advances toward licensure.

Two-year apprenticeship routeVirginia recognizes a two-year registered apprenticeship as one route into optician licensure.

2,000 paid OJT hours each yearYear 1 and Year 2 build to 4,000 supervised workplace hours.

Work + classes togetherApproved instruction runs beside the job. Reynolds’ 20-credit certificate is one potential RTI option and can be completed in one to two years.

Two years of visible growth—not just 4,000 hours.

At the registered full-time pace, the employee earns wages, completes approved instruction, and advances through defined workplace milestones at the same time.

STARTHire + registerConfirm supervision, the training plan, wage schedule, and approved instruction.

MONTH 6 · ~1,000 HOURSBuild foundationsDevelop optical terminology, measurements, materials knowledge, adjustments, and patient service.

YEAR 1 · 2,000 HOURSVerify core skillsComplete the first-year work and instruction checkpoint, then review progress and wages.

MONTH 18 · ~3,000 HOURSAdvance practiceBuild skill in prescription analysis, multifocals, verification, finishing, and troubleshooting.

YEAR 2 · 4,000 HOURSComplete + testFinish OJT and instruction, document completion, and move to Virginia’s written and practical exams.

This is FRAME’s proposed milestone structure. The registered Work Process Schedule and approved instruction determine the final sequence.

Why opticianry matters

Licensed opticians turn prescriptions into properly fitted eyewear and help patients use vision correction safely and successfully. A stronger optician pipeline supports patient access, employer staffing, and upward mobility.

What FRAME would coordinate

The proposed intermediary model is designed to coordinate recurring program work while employers concentrate on hiring, supervision, and skill development.

Standards + employer onboarding

Help coordinate registered standards, the Work Process Schedule, a common employer onboarding process, and apprentice enrollment support.

RTI + progress coordination

Connect approved classroom instruction to workplace milestones, periodic reviews, and wage progression.

Records + completion

Support program records, reporting coordination, documentation, and the handoff from apprenticeship completion to licensure.

Build your optician talent pipeline.

If you employ optical talent in Charlottesville or Central Virginia, let’s discuss what an apprenticeship pathway could look like inside your organization.

Talk with FRAME

Education, workforce, and community partners: connect with FRAME.

Current status: FRAME Virginia Inc. is an independent Virginia nonstock corporation developing an opticianry Registered Apprenticeship intermediary model in coordination with Virginia Works. Final sponsorship and program structure are in development.