no, the dot does not have to be centered for the hole to be in the right place. centered gives you a better sight picture, but as long as the dot is on the bullseye, the hole will be the same place. some dots get a little funky the closer you put the dot to the edge of the viewing field, but if the dot is sighted with the barrel, the hole will go in whatever the dot is covering, no matter where it is in the viewing field.