Published: 2015-07-08
Key Benefits:
It is unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of optometry or to display a sign or in any other way to advertise or hold himself or herself out as an optometrist without having first obtained an optometrist license from the board under the provisions of this chapter or under the provisions of any former act relating to the practice of optometry. The practice of optometry includes the performing or controlling of any acts set forth in Section 3041.
In any prosecution for a violation of this section, the use of test cards, test lenses, or of trial frames is prima facie evidence of the practice of optometry.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2014.)
(a) The practice of optometry includes the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as well as the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, and is the doing of any or all of the following:
(1) The examination of the human eye or eyes, or its or their appendages, and the analysis of the human vision system, either subjectively or objectively.
(2) The determination of the powers or range of human vision and the accommodative and refractive states of the human eye or eyes, including the scope of its or their functions and general condition.
(3) The prescribing or directing the use of, or using, any optical device in connection with ocular exercises, visual training, vision training, or orthoptics.
(4) The prescribing of contact and spectacle lenses for, or the fitting or adaptation of contact and spectacle lenses to, the human eye, including lenses that may be classified as drugs or devices by any law of the United States or of this state.
(5) The use of topical pharmaceutical agents for the purpose of the examination of the human eye or eyes for any disease or pathological condition.
(b) (1) An optometrist who is certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, pursuant to Section 3041.3, may also diagnose and treat the human eye or eyes, or any of its or their appendages, for all of the following conditions:
(A) Through medical treatment, infections of the anterior segment and adnexa, excluding the lacrimal gland, the lacrimal drainage system, and the sclera in patients under 12 years of age.
(B) Ocular allergies of the anterior segment and adnexa.
(C) Ocular inflammation, nonsurgical in cause except when comanaged with the treating physician and surgeon, limited to inflammation resulting from traumatic iritis, peripheral corneal inflammatory keratitis, episcleritis, and unilateral nonrecurrent nongranulomatous idiopathic iritis in patients over 18 years of age. Unilateral nongranulomatous idiopathic iritis recurring within one year of the initial occurrence shall be referred to an ophthalmologist. An optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if a patient has a recurrent case of episcleritis within one year of the initial occurrence. An optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if a patient has a recurrent case of peripheral corneal inflammatory keratitis within one year of the initial occurrence.
(D) Traumatic or recurrent conjunctival or corneal abrasions and erosions.
(E) Corneal surface disease and dry eyes.
(F) Ocular pain, nonsurgical in cause except when comanaged with the treating physician and surgeon, associated with conditions optometrists are authorized to treat.
(G) Pursuant to subdivision (f), glaucoma in patients over 18 years of age, as described in subdivision (j).
(2) For purposes of this section, “treat” means the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, as described in subdivision (c), and the procedures described in subdivision (e).
(c) In diagnosing and treating the conditions listed in subdivision (b), an optometrist certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents pursuant to Section 3041.3 may use all of the following therapeutic pharmaceutical agents:
(1) Pharmaceutical agents as described in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), as well as topical miotics.
(2) Topical lubricants.
(3) Antiallergy agents. In using topical steroid medication for the treatment of ocular allergies, an optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist if the patient’s condition worsens 21 days after diagnosis.
(4) Topical and oral anti-inflammatories. In using steroid medication for:
(A) Unilateral nonrecurrent nongranulomatous idiopathic iritis or episcleritis, an optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if the patient’s condition worsens 72 hours after the diagnosis, or if the patient’s condition has not resolved three weeks after diagnosis. If the patient is still receiving medication for these conditions six weeks after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon.
(B) Peripheral corneal inflammatory keratitis, excluding Moorens and Terriens diseases, an optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if the patient’s condition worsens 72 hours after diagnosis.
(C) Traumatic iritis, an optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if the patient’s condition worsens 72 hours after diagnosis and shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon if the patient’s condition has not resolved one week after diagnosis.
(5) Topical antibiotic agents.
(6) Topical hyperosmotics.
(7) Topical and oral antiglaucoma agents pursuant to the certification process defined in subdivision (f).
(A) The optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist if requested by the patient or if angle closure glaucoma develops.
(B) If the glaucoma patient also has diabetes, the optometrist shall consult with the physician treating the patient’s diabetes in developing the glaucoma treatment plan and shall inform the physician in writing of any changes in the patient’s glaucoma medication.
(8) Nonprescription medications used for the rational treatment of an ocular disorder.
(9) Oral antihistamines.
(10) Prescription oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
(11) Oral antibiotics for medical treatment of ocular disease.
(A) If the patient has been diagnosed with a central corneal ulcer and the central corneal ulcer has not improved 48 hours after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.
(B) If the patient has been diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis or dacryocystitis and the condition has not improved 48 hours after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.
(12) Topical and oral antiviral medication for the medical treatment of the following: herpes simplex viral keratitis, herpes simplex viral conjunctivitis, and periocular herpes simplex viral dermatitis; and varicella zoster viral keratitis, varicella zoster viral conjunctivitis, and periocular varicella zoster viral dermatitis.
(A) If the patient has been diagnosed with herpes simplex keratitis or varicella zoster viral keratitis and the patient’s condition has not improved seven days after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist. If a patient’s condition has not resolved three weeks after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.
(B) If the patient has been diagnosed with herpes simplex viral conjunctivitis, herpes simplex viral dermatitis, varicella zoster viral conjunctivitis, or varicella zoster viral dermatitis, and if the patient’s condition worsens seven days after diagnosis, the optometrist shall consult with an ophthalmologist. If the patient’s condition has not resolved three weeks after diagnosis, the optometrist shall refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.
(13) Oral analgesics that are not controlled substances.
(14) Codeine with compounds and hydrocodone with compounds as listed in the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code) and the United States Uniform Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 801 et seq.). The use of these agents shall be limited to three days, with a referral to an ophthalmologist if the pain persists.
(d) In any case where this chapter requires that an optometrist consult with an ophthalmologist, the optometrist shall maintain a written record in the patient’s file of the information provided to the ophthalmologist, the ophthalmologist’s response, and any other relevant information. Upon the consulting ophthalmologist’s request and with the patient’s consent, the optometrist shall furnish a copy of the record to the ophthalmologist.
(e) An optometrist who is certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents pursuant to Section 3041.3 may also perform all of the following:
(1) Corneal scraping with cultures.
(2) Debridement of corneal epithelia.
(3) Mechanical epilation.
(4) Venipuncture for testing patients suspected of having diabetes.
(5) Suture removal, with prior consultation with the treating physician and surgeon.
(6) Treatment or removal of sebaceous cysts by expression.
(7) Administration of oral fluorescein to patients suspected as having diabetic retinopathy.
(8) Use of an auto-injector to counter anaphylaxis.
(9) Ordering of smears, cultures, sensitivities, complete blood count, mycobacterial culture, acid fast stain, urinalysis, tear fluid analysis, and X-rays necessary for the diagnosis of conditions or diseases of the eye or adnexa. An optometrist may order other types of images subject to prior consultation with an ophthalmologist or appropriate physician and surgeon.
(10) A clinical laboratory test or examination classified as waived under CLIA and designated as waived in paragraph (9) necessary for the diagnosis of conditions and diseases of the eye or adnexa, or if otherwise specifically authorized by this chapter.
(11) Punctal occlusion by plugs, excluding laser, diathermy, cryotherapy, or other means constituting surgery as defined in this chapter.
(12) The prescription of therapeutic contact lenses, including lenses or devices that incorporate a medication or therapy the optometrist is certified to prescribe or provide.
(13) Removal of foreign bodies from the cornea, eyelid, and conjunctiva with any appropriate instrument other than a scalpel or needle. Corneal foreign bodies shall be nonperforating, be no deeper than the midstroma, and require no surgical repair upon removal.
(14) For patients over 12 years of age, lacrimal irrigation and dilation, excluding probing of the nasal lacrimal tract. The board shall certify any optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry before May 1, 2000, to perform this procedure after submitting proof of satisfactory completion of 10 procedures under the supervision of an ophthalmologist as confirmed by the ophthalmologist. Any optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after May 1, 2000, shall be exempt from the certification requirement contained in this paragraph.
(f) The board shall grant a certificate to an optometrist certified pursuant to Section 3041.3 for the treatment of glaucoma, as described in subdivision (j), in patients over 18 years of age after the optometrist meets the following applicable requirements:
(1) For licensees who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after May 1, 2008, submission of proof of graduation from that institution.
(2) For licensees who were certified to treat glaucoma under this section prior to January 1, 2009, submission of proof of completion of that certification program.
(3) For licensees who have substantially completed the certification requirements pursuant to this section in effect between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2008, submission of proof of completion of those requirements on or before December 31, 2009. “Substantially completed” means both of the following:
(A) Satisfactory completion of a didactic course of not less than 24 hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of glaucoma.
(B) Treatment of 50 glaucoma patients with a collaborating ophthalmologist for a period of two years for each patient that will conclude on or before December 31, 2009.
(4) For licensees who completed a didactic course of not less than 24 hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of glaucoma, submission of proof of satisfactory completion of the case management requirements for certification established by the board pursuant to Section 3041.10.
(5) For licensees who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or before May 1, 2008, and not described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4), submission of proof of satisfactory completion of the requirements for certification established by the board pursuant to Section 3041.10.
(g) Other than for prescription ophthalmic devices described in subdivision (b) of Section 2541, any dispensing of a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent by an optometrist shall be without charge.
(h) The practice of optometry does not include performing surgery. “Surgery” means any procedure in which human tissue is cut, altered, or otherwise infiltrated by mechanical or laser means. “Surgery” does not include those procedures specified in subdivision (e). Nothing in this section shall limit an optometrist’s authority to utilize diagnostic laser and ultrasound technology within his or her scope of practice.
(i) An optometrist licensed under this chapter is subject to the provisions of Section 2290.5 for purposes of practicing telehealth.
(j) For purposes of this chapter, “glaucoma” means either of the following:
(1) All primary open-angle glaucoma.
(2) Exfoliation and pigmentary glaucoma.
(k) For purposes of this chapter, “adnexa” means ocular adnexa.
(l) In an emergency, an optometrist shall stabilize, if possible, and immediately refer any patient who has an acute attack of angle closure to an ophthalmologist.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 714, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2013.)
With respect to the practices set forth in subdivisions (b), (d), and (e) of Section 3041, optometrists diagnosing or treating eye disease shall be held to the same standard of care to which physicians and surgeons and osteopathic physicians and surgeons are held.
(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 29. Effective January 1, 2005.)
(a) The State Board of Optometry shall, by regulation, establish educational and examination requirements for licensure to ensure the competence of optometrists to practice pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 3041. Satisfactory completion of the educational and examination requirements shall be a condition for the issuance of an original optometrist license under this chapter, on and after January 1, 1980. Only those optometrists who have successfully completed educational and examination requirements as determined by the State Board of Optometry shall be permitted the use of pharmaceutical agents specified by subdivision (a) of Section 3041.
(b) Nothing in this section shall authorize an optometrist issued an original optometrist license under this chapter before January 1, 1996, to use or prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents specified in subdivision (d) of Section 3041 without otherwise meeting the requirements of Section 3041.3.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2014.)
(a) In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b), (d), and (e) of Section 3041, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the board and meet all requirements imposed by the board.
(b) The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist in California, and meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Satisfactorily completes a didactic course of no less than 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease provided by either an accredited school of optometry in California or a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology in California.
(2) Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, in either an ophthalmologist’s office or an optometric clinic. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship. Authorization for the ophthalmologist to serve as a preceptor shall be provided by an accredited school of optometry in California, or by a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology, and the preceptor shall be licensed as an ophthalmologist in California, board-certified in ophthalmology, and in good standing with the Medical Board of California. The individual serving as the preceptor shall schedule no more than three optometrist applicants for each of the required 65 hours of the preceptorship program. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the total number of optometrist applicants for whom an individual may serve as a preceptor, and is intended only to ensure the quality of the preceptorship by requiring that the ophthalmologist preceptor schedule the training so that each applicant optometrist completes each of the 65 hours of the preceptorship while scheduled with no more than two other optometrist applicants.
(3) Successfully completes a minimum of 20 hours of self-directed education.
(4) Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s “Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease” examination or, in the event this examination is no longer offered, its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(5) Passes the examination issued upon completion of the 80-hour didactic course required under paragraph (1) and provided by the accredited school of optometry or residency program in ophthalmology.
(6) When any or all of the requirements contained in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) have been satisfied on or after July 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, an optometrist shall not be required to fulfill the satisfied requirements in order to obtain certification to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. In order for this paragraph to apply to the requirement contained in paragraph (5), the didactic examination that the applicant successfully completed shall meet equivalency standards, as determined by the board.
(7) Any optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, shall not be required to fulfill the requirements contained in paragraphs (1), (4), and (5).
(c) The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination, or its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(2) Of the total clinical training required by a school of optometry’s curriculum, successfully completed at least 65 of those hours on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease.
(3) Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by this section.
(4) Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
(d) The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
(1) In order to obtain a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and graduated from an accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (b). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, the education he or she received at the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry in California for persons who graduate before January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (b) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(2) In order to obtain a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (c). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, the education he or she received by the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry for persons who graduate on or after January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (c) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(3) The State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrist’s education or training under this subdivision.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 33, Sec. 7. Effective June 23, 2008.)
The provisions of this chapter do not prevent a licensed physician and surgeon from treating or fitting glasses to the human eye, or from doing any act within the practice of optometry, or a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist from filling prescriptions or orders, nor do they prevent the replacing, duplicating or repairing of ophthalmic lenses, frames, or fittings by persons qualified to write or fill prescriptions or orders under the provisions of this chapter, nor prevent the doing of the mechanical work upon those lenses, frames, or fittings by an assistant, nor prevent an assistant acting under the responsibility and direction of a physician and surgeon or an optometrist from using any optical device in connection with ocular exercises, vision training, or orthoptics, or acts set forth in Section 2544.
It is unlawful for a person to dispense, replace, or duplicate an ophthalmic lens without a prescription or order from a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2005.)
(a) The practice of persons actually enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students of optometry in the clinical departments of schools or colleges of optometry accredited by the board shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that such practice shall be entirely confined to the operations of the clinical department of the accredited school or college of optometry and shall be carried on only in pursuing the study of optometry.
(b) The board may grant, for specified periods, exemption from the provisions of this chapter to any person who is licensed in another state or country and who is employed as a clinician or instructor by an accredited school or college of optometry. Such exemption from the provisions of this chapter shall extend only to practice which is conducted for educational purposes and which is confined to the clinical department of the accredited school or college employing the person to whom the exemption is granted.
(Added by Stats. 1955, Ch. 110.)
The provisions of this chapter do not prohibit the sale of goggles, sun glasses, colored glasses or occupational eye-protective devices if they do not have refractive values nor do the provisions of this chapter prohibit the sale of complete ready to wear eyeglasses as merchandise by any person not holding himself out as competent to examine, test or prescribe for the human eye or its refractive errors.
(Added by Stats. 1937, Ch. 423.)
A person over the age of 18 years desiring to engage in the practice of optometry in this state may file an application for examination and an application for licensure. The application shall be accompanied by the fee required by this chapter.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 2005.)
Applications shall be verified by the oath of the applicant and shall contain information and evidence satisfactory to the board showing the eligibility of the applicant.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2005.)
In order to obtain a license to practice optometry in California, an applicant shall have graduated from an accredited school of optometry, passed the required examinations for licensure, not have met any of the grounds for denial established in Section 480, and not be currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code. The proceedings under this section shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 516, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2014.)
All applicants for examination for an optometrist license in accordance with the educational and examination requirements adopted pursuant to Section 3023.1 shall show the board by satisfactory evidence that he or she has received education in child abuse detection and the detection of alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency. This section shall apply only to applicants who matriculate in a school of optometry on or after September 1, 1997.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2014.)
All examinations shall be practical in character, designed to ascertain applicants’ fitness to practice the profession of optometry and conducted in the English language. The board may by rule or regulation accept the examination given by other agencies or organizations which it deems equivalent to the examination required to determine an applicant’s fitness to practice optometry.
(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 872.)
The passing grades for the licensure examination shall be based on psychometrically sound principles of establishing minimum qualifications and levels of competency. If an applicant fails to pass any section of the examination, he or she may be examined in any succeeding examination held during the next five years only in those sections in which he or she failed to obtain a passing grade.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 37. Effective January 1, 2005.)
The board shall issue a license to an applicant who meets the requirements of this chapter, including the payment of the prescribed licensure, certification, or renewal fee, and who meets any other requirement in accordance with state law. A license or certificate issued under the chapter shall be subject to renewal as prescribed by the board and shall expire unless renewed in that manner. The board may provide for the late renewal of a license or certificate as provided for in Section 163.5.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 426, Sec. 39. Effective January 1, 2005.)
(a) The board may issue a license to practice optometry to a person who meets all of the following qualifications:
(1) Has a degree as a doctor of optometry issued by an accredited school or college of optometry.
(2) Is currently licensed in another state.
(3) Is currently a full-time faculty member of an accredited California school or college of optometry and has served in that capacity for a period of at least five continuous years.
(4) Has attained, at an accredited California school or college of optometry, the academic rank of professor, associate professor, or clinical professor, except that the status of adjunct or affiliated faculty member shall not be deemed sufficient.
(5) Has successfully passed the board’s jurisprudence examination.
(6) Is in good standing, with no past or pending malpractice awards or judicial or administrative actions.
(7) Has met the minimum continuing education requirements set forth in Section 3059 for the current and preceding year.
(8) Has met the requirements of Section 3041.3 regarding the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under subdivision (e) of Section 3041.
(9) Has never had his or her license to practice optometry revoked or suspended.
(10) (A) Is not subject to denial based on any of the grounds listed in Section 480.
(B) Is not currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code.
(11) Pays an application fee in an amount equal to the application fee prescribed by the board pursuant to Section 3152.
(12) Files an application on a form prescribed by the board.
(b) Any license issued pursuant to this section shall expire as provided in Section 3146, and may be renewed as provided in this chapter, subject to the same conditions as other licenses issued under this chapter.
(c) The term “in good standing,” as used in this section, means that a person under this section:
(1) Is not currently under investigation nor has been charged with an offense for any act substantially related to the practice of optometry by any public agency, nor entered into any consent agreement or subject to an administrative decision that contains conditions placed by an agency upon a person’s professional conduct or practice, including any voluntary surrender of license, nor been the subject of an adverse judgment resulting from the practice of optometry that the board determines constitutes evidence of a pattern of incompetence or negligence.
(2) Has no physical or mental impairment related to drugs or alcohol, and has not been found mentally incompetent by a physician so that the person is unable to undertake the practice of optometry in a manner consistent with the safety of a patient or the public.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 516, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2014.)
(a) The board may issue a license to practice optometry to a person who meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a degree as a doctor of optometry issued by an accredited school or college of optometry.
(2) Has successfully passed the licensing examination for an optometric license in another state.
(3) Submits proof that he or she is licensed in good standing as of the date of application in every state where he or she holds a license, including compliance with continuing education requirements.
(4) Submits proof that he or she has been in active practice in a state in which he or she is licensed for a total of at least 5,000 hours in five of the seven consecutive years immediately preceding the date of his or her application under this section.
(5) Is not subject to disciplinary action as set forth in subdivision (h) of Section 3110. If the person has been subject to disciplinary action, the board shall review that action to determine if it presents sufficient evidence of a violation of this chapter to warrant the submission of additional information from the person or the denial of the application for licensure.
(6) Has furnished a signed release allowing the disclosure of information from the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank and, if applicable, the verification of registration status with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. The board shall review this information to determine if it presents sufficient evidence of a violation of this chapter to warrant the submission of additional information from the person or the denial of the application for licensure.
(7) Has never had his or her license to practice optometry revoked or suspended.
(8) (A) Is not subject to denial of an application for licensure based on any of the grounds listed in Section 480.
(B) Is not currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code.
(9) Has met the minimum continuing education requirements set forth in Section 3059 for the current and preceding year.
(10) Has met the certification requirements of Section 3041.3 to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under subdivision (e) of Section 3041.
(11) Submits any other information as specified by the board to the extent it is required for licensure by examination under this chapter.
(12) Files an application on a form prescribed by the board, with an acknowledgment by the person executed under penalty of perjury and automatic forfeiture of license, of the following:
(A) That the information provided by the person to the board is true and correct, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief.
(B) That the person has not been convicted of an offense involving conduct that would violate Section 810.
(13) Pays an application fee in an amount equal to the application fee prescribed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 3152.
(14) Has successfully passed the board’s jurisprudence examination.
(b) If the board finds that the competency of a candidate for licensure pursuant to this section is in question, the board may require the passage of a written, practical, or clinical exam or completion of additional continuing education or coursework.
(c) In cases where the person establishes, to the board’s satisfaction, that he or she has been displaced by a federally declared emergency and cannot relocate to his or her state of practice within a reasonable time without economic hardship, the board is authorized to do both of the following:
(1) Approve an application where the person’s time in active practice is less than that specified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), if a sufficient period in active practice can be verified by the board and all other requirements of subdivision (a) are satisfied by the person.
(2) Reduce or waive the fees required by paragraph (13) of subdivision (a).
(d) Any license issued pursuant to this section shall expire as provided in Section 3146, and may be renewed as provided in this chapter, subject to the same conditions as other licenses issued under this chapter.
(e) The term “in good standing,” as used in this section, means that a person under this section:
(1) Is not currently under investigation nor has been charged with an offense for any act substantially related to the practice of optometry by any public agency, nor entered into any consent agreement or subject to an administrative decision that contains conditions placed by an agency upon a person’s professional conduct or practice, including any voluntary surrender of license, nor been the subject of an adverse judgment resulting from the practice of optometry that the board determines constitutes evidence of a pattern of incompetence or negligence.
(2) Has no physical or mental impairment related to drugs or alcohol, and has not been found mentally incompetent by a physician so that the person is unable to undertake the practice of optometry in a manner consistent with the safety of a patient or the public.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 516, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2014.)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the board shall permit a graduate of a foreign university who meets all of the following requirements to take the examinations for an optometrist license:
(a) Is over 18 years of age.
(b) Is not subject to denial of a license under Section 480.
(c) Has a degree as a doctor of optometry issued by a university located outside of the United States.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2014.)
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the public health and safety would be served by requiring all holders of licenses to practice optometry granted under this chapter to continue their education after receiving their licenses. The board shall adopt regulations that require, as a condition to the renewal thereof, that all holders of licenses submit proof satisfactory to the board that they have informed themselves of the developments in the practice of optometry occurring since the original issuance of their licenses by pursuing one or more courses of study satisfactory to the board or by other means deemed equivalent by the board.
(b) The board may, in accordance with the intent of this section, make exceptions from continuing education requirements for reasons of health, military service, or other good cause.
(c) If for good cause compliance cannot be met for the current year, the board may grant exemption of compliance for that year, provided that a plan of future compliance that includes current requirements as well as makeup of previous requirements is approved by the board.
(d) The board may require that proof of compliance with this section be submitted on an annual or biennial basis as determined by the board.
(e) An optometrist certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents pursuant to Section 3041.3 shall complete a total of 50 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew his or her certificate. Thirty-five of the required 50 hours of continuing education shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease in any combination of the following areas:
(1) Glaucoma.
(2) Ocular infection.
(3) Ocular inflammation.
(4) Topical steroids.
(5) Systemic medication.
(6) Pain medication.
(f) The board shall encourage every optometrist to take a course or courses in pharmacology and pharmaceuticals as part of his or her continuing education.
(g) The board shall consider requiring courses in child abuse detection to be taken by those licensees whose practices are such that there is a likelihood of contact with abused or neglected children.
(h) The board shall consider requiring courses in elder abuse detection to be taken by those licensees whose practices are such that there is a likelihood of contact with abused or neglected elder persons.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 302, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)
The board shall periodically develop and disseminate to all persons licensed to practice optometry information and educational material regarding all of the following:
(a) The detection of child abuse and neglect. The board shall consult with the Office of Child Abuse Prevention in developing the materials distributed pursuant to this subdivision.
(b) The detection of elder abuse and neglect. The board shall consult with the Adult Protective Services Division of the State Department of Social Services in developing the materials distributed pursuant to this subdivision.
(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 556, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)
