§ 7124. Requirements for a professional license. a. To qualify for a license as an ophthalmic dispenser, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements;

(1) Application: file an application with the department;

(2) Education: have received an education, including high school graduation and completion, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, of either (i) a two-year program in ophthalmic dispensing, or, (ii) two years of training and experience in ophthalmic dispensing under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmic dispenser, optometrist or physician;

(3) Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(4) Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(5) Age: be at least eighteen years of age;

(6) Citizenship: meet no requirement as to United States citizenship;

(7) Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and

(8) Fees: pay a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of forty-five dollars for each reexamination, a fee of fifty dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of fifty dollars for each triennial registration period.

b. A person licensed after July first, nineteen hundred seventy-three shall be permitted to fit contact lenses only if the licensee, in addition to the requirements of subdivision a of this section, shall (1) pass a separate examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; and (2) have the requisite experience in the fitting of contact lenses satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations.