NEWARK – Three individuals who dispensed eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to the public without being licensed as legally required have been assessed penalties and ordered to cease their activities.

The State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians acted after state investigators found that unlicensed practice was occurring at eyewear businesses located in Phillipsburg, Red Bank and Toms River.

The three individuals who reached settlements under Consent Orders with the Board and who were each assessed a $2,500 penalty for practicing ophthalmic dispensing without a license are as follows:

• Dorothy Niamkey, owner of Chic Optique, Red Bank
• Michael Laverty, employee at Coventry Optical, Phillipsburg
• Mindy Clark, employee at Sears Optical, Toms River

Niamkey was assessed an additional $500 penalty for improperly advertising that her business employed an optician.

"Consumers should check to see when getting an eyewear prescription filled that the person providing the eyeglasses or contact lenses is licensed. Licenses are required to be publically displayed for consumers," Acting Consumer Affairs Director Stephen B. Nolan said.

Nolan noted that cosmetic contact lenses, those that don’t correct vision but merely have a design visible to others, cannot legally be sold in New Jersey without a prescription. Such lenses must be provided by licensed dispensers as well.

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