Admission To Practice - Optometry - Business & Professions - CA

Section § 3040

In California, it's illegal to practice as an optometrist or even claim to be one without a proper, current license. Doing things like using test cards or lenses is considered strong evidence that someone is practicing optometry, so you can't do these activities without a license.

(a) It is unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of optometry or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as an optometrist without a valid, unrevoked California optometrist license. The practice of optometry includes the performing or controlling of any acts set forth in Section 3041.

(b) 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.

optometry license illegal practice unlicensed activity

Section § 3041

This law explains what optometrists in California are allowed to do in their practice. They can examine eyes, prescribe lenses, and some medications. They're also authorized to perform certain medical procedures, like removing foreign bodies from the eye, and can treat some eye diseases. However, optometrists don't perform surgeries. There are specific guidelines for treating patients under 18, and optometrists must collaborate with ophthalmologists for certain conditions. They must also be certified to treat glaucoma and give immunizations. Lastly, optometrists can use technology for diagnosing eye conditions, but certain limitations apply, especially for younger patients.

(a) The practice of optometry includes the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as authorized by this chapter, as well as the provision of habilitative or rehabilitative optometric services, and is the doing of any or all of the following:

(1) The examination of the human eyes and their adnexa, including through the use of all topical and oral diagnostic pharmaceutical agents that are not controlled substances, 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 eyes, including the scope of their functions and general condition.

(3) The prescribing, using, or directing the use of any optical device in connection with ocular exercises, visual training, vision training, or orthoptics.

(4) The prescribing, fitting, or adaptation of contact and spectacle lenses to, the human eyes, including lenses that may be classified as drugs or devices by any law of the United States or of this state, and diagnostic or therapeutic contact lenses that incorporate a medication or therapy the optometrist is certified to prescribe or provide.

(5) For an optometrist certified pursuant to Section 3041.3, diagnosing and preventing conditions and diseases of the human eyes and their adnexa, and treating nonmalignant conditions and diseases of the anterior segment of the human eyes and their adnexa, including ametropia and presbyopia:

(A) Using or prescribing, including for rational off-label purposes, topical and oral prescription and nonprescription therapeutic pharmaceutical agents that are not controlled substances and are not antiglaucoma agents or limited or excluded by subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, “controlled substance” has the same meaning as used 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.).

(B) Prescribing the oral analgesic controlled substance codeine with compounds, hydrocodone with compounds, and tramadol 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.), limited to three days, with referral to an ophthalmologist if the pain persists.

(C) If also certified under subdivision (c), using or prescribing topical and oral antiglaucoma agents for the medical treatment of all primary open-angle, exfoliation, pigmentary, and steroid-induced glaucomas in persons 18 years of age or over. In the case of steroid-induced glaucoma, the prescriber of the steroid medication shall be promptly notified if the prescriber did not refer the patient to the optometrist for treatment.

(D) If also certified under subdivision (d), independent initiation and administration of immunizations for influenza, herpes zoster virus, pneumococcus, and SARS-CoV-2 in compliance with recommendations adopted pursuant to Section 120164 of the Health and Safety Code in persons 18 years of age or older.

(E) Utilizing the following techniques and instrumentation necessary for the diagnosis of conditions and diseases of the eye and adnexa:

(i) Laboratory tests or examinations ordered from an outside facility.

(ii) Laboratory tests or examinations performed in a laboratory with a certificate of waiver under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) (42 U.S.C. Sec. 263a; Public Law 100-578), which shall also be allowed for:

(I) Detecting indicators of possible systemic disease that manifests in the eye for the purpose of facilitating appropriate referral to or consultation with a physician and surgeon.

(II) Detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

(iii) Skin testing performed in an office to diagnose ocular allergies, limited to the superficial layer of the skin.

(iv) X-rays ordered from an outside facility.

(v) Other imaging studies ordered from an outside facility subject to prior consultation with an appropriate physician and surgeon.

(vi) Other imaging studies performed in an office, including those that utilize laser or ultrasound technology, but excluding those that utilize radiation.

(F) Performing the following procedures, which are excluded from restrictions imposed on the performance of surgery by paragraph (6) of subdivision (b), unless explicitly indicated:

(i) Corneal scraping with cultures.

(ii) Debridement of corneal epithelium not associated with band keratopathy.

(iii) Mechanical epilation.

(iv) Collection of blood by skin puncture or venipuncture for laboratory testing authorized by this subdivision.

(v) Suture removal subject to comanagement requirements in paragraph (7) of subdivision (b).

(vi) Treatment or removal of sebaceous cysts by expression.

(vii) Lacrimal punctal occlusion using plugs, or placement of a stent or similar device in a lacrimal canaliculus intended to deliver a medication the optometrist is certified to prescribe or provide.

(viii) Foreign body and staining removal from the cornea, eyelid, and conjunctiva with any appropriate instrument. Removal of corneal foreign bodies and any related stain shall, as relevant, be limited to that which is nonperforating, no deeper than the midstroma, and not reasonably anticipated to require surgical repair.

(ix) Lacrimal irrigation and dilation in patients 12 years of age or over, excluding probing of the nasolacrimal 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.

(x) Administration of oral fluorescein for the purpose of ocular angiography.

(xi) Intravenous injection for the purpose of performing ocular angiography at the direction of an ophthalmologist as part of an active treatment plan in a setting where a physician and surgeon is immediately available.

(xii) Use of noninvasive devices delivering intense pulsed light therapy or low-level light therapy that do not rely on laser technology, limited to treatment of conditions and diseases of the adnexa.

(xiii) Use of an intranasal stimulator in conjunction with treatment of dry eye syndrome.

(G) Using additional noninvasive medical devices or technology that:

(i) Have received a United States Food and Drug Administration approved indication for the diagnosis or treatment of a condition or disease authorized by this chapter. A licensee shall successfully complete any clinical training imposed by a related manufacturer prior to using any of those noninvasive medical devices or technologies.

(ii) Have been approved by the board through regulation for the rational treatment of a condition or disease authorized by this chapter. Any regulation under this paragraph shall require a licensee to successfully complete an appropriate amount of clinical training to qualify to use each noninvasive medical device or technology approved by the board pursuant to this paragraph.

(b) Exceptions or limitations to the provisions of subdivision (a) are as follows:

(1) Treatment of the following is excluded from the practice of optometry in a patient under 18 years of age, unless explicitly allowed otherwise:

(A) Anterior segment inflammation, which shall not exclude treatment of:

(i) The conjunctiva.

(ii) Nonmalignant ocular surface disease, including dry eye syndrome.

(iii) Contact lens-related inflammation of the cornea.

(iv) An infection of the cornea.

(B) Conditions or diseases of the sclera.

(2) Use of any oral prescription steroid anti-inflammatory medication for a patient under 18 years of age shall be done pursuant to a documented, timely consultation with an appropriate physician and surgeon.

(3) Use of any nonantibiotic oral prescription medication for a patient under five years of age shall be done pursuant to a documented, prior consultation with an appropriate physician and surgeon.

(4) The following classes of agents are excluded from the practice of optometry unless they have an explicit United States Food and Drug Administration-approved indication for treatment of a condition or disease authorized under this section:

(A) Antiamoebics.

(B) Antineoplastics.

(C) Coagulation modulators.

(D) Hormone modulators.

(E) Immunomodulators.

(5) The following are excluded from authorization under subparagraph (G) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a):

(A) A laboratory test or imaging study.

(B) Any noninvasive device or technology that constitutes surgery under paragraph (6).

(6) Performing surgery is excluded from the practice of optometry. “Surgery” means any act in which human tissue is cut, altered, or otherwise infiltrated by any means. It does not mean an act that solely involves the administration or prescribing of a topical or oral therapeutic pharmaceutical.

(7)

(A) Treatment with topical and oral medications authorized in subdivision (a) related to an ocular surgery shall be comanaged with the ophthalmologist that performed the surgery, or another ophthalmologist designated by that surgeon, during the customary preoperative and postoperative period for the procedure. For purposes of this subparagraph, this may involve treatment of ocular inflammation in a patient under 18 years of age.

(B) Where published, the postoperative period shall be the “global” period established by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or, if not published, a reasonable period not to exceed 90 days.

(C) Such comanaged treatment may include addressing agreed-upon complications of the surgical procedure occurring in any ocular or adnexal structure with topical and oral medications authorized in subdivision (a). For patients under 18 years of age, this subparagraph shall not apply unless the patient’s primary care provider agrees to allowing comanagement of complications.

(c) An optometrist certified pursuant to Section 3041.3 shall be certified to medically treat authorized glaucomas under this chapter after meeting the following 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 before January 1, 2009, submission of proof of completion of that certification program.

(3) 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.

(4) For licensees who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or before May 1, 2008, and who are not described in paragraph (2) or (3), submission of proof of satisfactory completion of the requirements for certification established by the board under Chapter 352 of the Statutes of 2008.

(d) An optometrist certified pursuant to Section 3041.3 shall be certified to administer authorized immunizations, as described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), after the optometrist meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Completes an immunization training program endorsed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education that, at a minimum, includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines, and maintains that training.

(2) Is certified in basic life support.

(3) Complies with all state and federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including providing documentation to the patient’s primary care provider and entering information in the appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the State Department of Public Health.

(4) Applies for an immunization certificate in accordance with Section 3041.5.

(e) 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.

(f) An optometrist licensed under this chapter is subject to the provisions of Section 2290.5 for purposes of practicing telehealth.

(g) For the purposes of this chapter, all of the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Adnexa” means the eyelids and muscles within the eyelids, the lacrimal system, and the skin extending from the eyebrows inferiorly, bounded by the medial, lateral, and inferior orbital rims, excluding the intraorbital extraocular muscles and orbital contents.

(2) “Anterior segment” means the portion of the eye anterior to the vitreous humor, including its overlying soft tissue coats.

(3) “Ophthalmologist” means a physician and surgeon, licensed under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, specializing in treating eye disease.

(4) “Physician and surgeon” means a physician and surgeon licensed under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

(5) “Prevention” means use or prescription of an agent or noninvasive device or technology for the purpose of inhibiting the development of an authorized condition or disease.

(6) “Treatment” means use of or prescription of an agent or noninvasive device or technology to alter the course of an authorized condition or disease once it is present.

(h) 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.

optometry practice eye examination contact lenses

Section § 3041.1

This law requires optometrists who are diagnosing or treating eye diseases to follow the same care standards as doctors. If an eye problem is outside their expertise, they must consult with or refer the patient to a doctor or relevant healthcare provider. These actions must be recorded in the patient's medical file.

An optometrist 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. An optometrist shall consult with and, if necessary, refer to a physician and surgeon or other appropriate health care provider when a situation or condition occurs that is beyond the optometrists’s scope of practice. Consultations, referrals, and notifications required by this section shall be documented in the patient record.

optometrist care standards eye disease treatment physician consultation

Section § 3041.2

This law requires the California State Board of Optometry to set rules for the education and exams that optometrists must complete in order to get licensed. Completing these requirements is necessary to receive an optometrist license or certifications.

The California State Board of Optometry shall, by regulation, establish educational and examination requirements for licensure to ensure the competence of optometrists to practice pursuant to this chapter. Satisfactory completion of the educational and examination requirements shall be a condition for the issuance of an original optometrist license or certifications pursuant to this chapter.

California State Board of Optometry educational requirements examination requirements

Section § 3041.3

This law explains how optometrists in California can get certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and diagnose certain conditions. Optometrists who graduated before 1996 must complete specific preceptorship and education requirements, and pass a relevant exam. Those who graduated after 1996 just need to pass the national board exam. Out-of-state optometrists must meet equivalent requirements but can request waivers if their previous training is similar to California's standards. The California State Board of Optometry decides on educational equivalency for certification purposes.

(a) In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b) and (d) 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 therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification 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) Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in ophthalmology in good standing. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship using a form approved by the board. 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 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.

(2) Successfully completes a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases within two years prior to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).

(3) 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 California State Board of Optometry.

(c) The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification 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 passes all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the California State Board of Optometry.

(d) The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained their license outside of California if they meet all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.

(1) In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained their 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 therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education the applicant 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 therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained their 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 therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education the applicant 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 California State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrist’s education or training under this subdivision.

therapeutic pharmaceutical agents optometrist certification preceptorship requirements

Section § 3041.5

If an optometrist in California wants to give vaccines like flu and COVID-19 shots, they need to get a special certificate from the board. To qualify, they must already have certain licenses, complete a training on vaccine administration, be certified in basic life support, and follow recordkeeping rules. They must apply with specific documents proving their qualifications and pay a fee. The board can update the application process as needed.

(a) A person requesting to be certified to administer immunizations pursuant to Section 3041 shall apply for a certificate from the board pursuant to an application that shall be in substantially the following form:

“Application for Optometrists to Administer Immunizations

Per California Business and Professions Code §3041(g), you must have a current California Optometrist License and have a Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) license type to be eligible for a certificate to administer immunizations. “Immunization” means the administration of immunizations for influenza, herpes zoster virus, pneumococcus, and SARS-CoV-2, consistent with recommendations adopted pursuant to Section 120164 of the Health and Safety Code, for persons 18 years of age or older.

If eligible, you must also meet and maintain the following requirements for an immunization certificate:

1. Complete an immunization training program endorsed by the CDC or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education that, at a minimum, includes hands-on injection technique, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines, and maintain that training.

2. Be certified in basic life support.

3. Comply with all state and federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including providing documentation to the patient’s primary care provider and entering information in the appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the California State Department of Public Health.

To apply for an immunization certificate, provide documentation for items #1 and #2 above with your application. All documentation must be provided, or the application will be rejected.

First, Middle, and Last Name:_________________________

Email address:________________________________________

License No.:__________________________________________

1. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information provided on this form and the attached documents or other requested proof of completion is true and accurate. I understand and agree that any misstatements of material facts may be cause for denial of the Application for Optometrists to Administer Immunizations and disciplinary action by the California State Board of Optometry.

AND

2. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I will comply with all state and federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including providing documentation to the patient’s primary care provider and entering information in the appropriate immunization registry designated by the immunization branch of the California State Department of Public Health.

Optometrist Signature: _________________________________

Date:___________________________________________________”

(b) The application for an immunization certificate set forth in subdivision (a) shall be accompanied by an application fee of fifty dollars ($50), or a fee in an amount as determined by the board, not to exceed the reasonable cost of administering this section.

(c) After the effective date of this section, the board may modify the Application for Optometrists to Administer Immunizations set forth in subdivision (a) by regulation in accordance with Section 3025.

optometrists immunization certificate vaccine administration

Section § 3042

This law allows licensed doctors and eye specialists to carry out activities related to eye care, including prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and performing optometry services. Qualified individuals can also replace, duplicate, or repair eyeglasses and lenses as long as they follow the relevant prescriptions. Assistants can work on eyeglasses and provide certain eye care services if overseen by a licensed professional. However, making or replacing glasses without a prescription from an authorized eye care provider is illegal.

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.

licensed physician optometrist ophthalmic lenses

Section § 3042.5

This section allows optometry students enrolled in accredited schools to practice optometry as part of their education within their school's clinical department without needing to comply with certain regulations. Additionally, the board can permit licensed optometrists from other states or countries to work as educators at these schools, exempting them from local rules. This exemption is only valid for teaching activities in the school’s clinical department.

(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.

optometry students clinical departments accredited schools

Section § 3043

This law allows the sale of goggles, sunglasses, and protective eyewear as long as they don't correct vision. It also permits anyone to sell ready-to-wear eyeglasses if they're not claiming to be qualified to examine or treat vision problems.

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.

goggles sunglasses colored glasses

Section § 3044

If you're over 18 and want to become an optometrist in California, you must apply and pay a fee to take a licensing exam.

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.

optometry licensure exam fee

Section § 3045

When someone applies for something within this context, they must swear an oath saying that what they're stating is true. They also need to provide enough information and proof to convince the board that they're eligible.

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.

applicant oath eligibility proof board verification

Section § 3046

If you want to become an optometrist in California, you need to graduate from a recognized optometry school, pass the necessary exams, and ensure you’re not disqualified due to any reasons stated in another law (Section 480) or being required to register as a sex offender. The process for getting your license follows specific government procedures.

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.

optometry license accredited school of optometry licensure examinations

Section § 3046.1

This law allows the Board of Optometry to give a temporary license to someone who wants to be an optometrist but can't take a required exam due to COVID-19. Applicants must not have been licensed in another state, need approval from their optometry school, and follow other rules. They must practice under a supervising optometrist who’s experienced and certified. This temporary license lets them do optometric work under supervision and it expires either when they meet all licensing requirements or six months after the COVID-19 emergency ends. Temporary licensees can’t open their own practice during this period and must inform patients that they’re working under supervision.

(a) The board shall issue a temporary license to practice optometry to any person who applies for and is eligible for licensure pursuant to Section 3046, but who is unable to immediately take the Section III - Clinical Skills Examination developed by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), required for licensure under this chapter, due to the state of emergency, proclaimed by the Governor on March 4, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to Section 3046, the person shall also satisfy all of the following conditions:

(1) The person has never been previously licensed to practice optometry in any state in the United States.

(2) The person pays to the board the applicable fee of one hundred dollars ($100), or a fee in an amount as determined by the board, not to exceed the reasonable cost of administering this section and submits an application to be a temporary licensee, as described in subdivision (j), to the board.

(3) The person has received approval from their accredited school of optometry that the person meets the educational requirements to practice optometry.

(4) The person satisfies all other conditions to licensure established by this chapter.

(b) A person holding a temporary license shall be subject to the same rights and restrictions that are afforded to a person holding a valid, unrevoked California optometrist license, except as set forth in this section. For the purposes of this chapter, “temporary licensee” means a person holding a temporary license pursuant to this section.

(c) A temporary licensee shall practice under the direct supervision of a supervising optometrist. For the purposes of this chapter, “supervising optometrist” means a California licensed optometrist that has been licensed for a minimum of five years and has been certified for the treatment of glaucoma, pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 3041, and submits an application to be a supervising optometrist, as described in subdivision (k), to the board. A licensed physician practicing ophthalmology may also supervise a temporary licensee and shall be subject to all of the same reporting requirements as set forth in this section.

(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a temporary licensee may perform services as authorized by this chapter if both of the following requirements are met:

(1) The temporary licensee renders the services under the direct supervision of a supervising optometrist who is not subject to a disciplinary condition imposed by the board prohibiting that supervision or prohibiting the employment of a temporary licensee.

(2) The supervising optometrist is legally and professionally responsible for the actions of the temporary licensee.

(e) For the purposes of this chapter, “direct supervision” means that a supervising optometrist oversees the activities of, and accepts responsibility for, the services rendered by a temporary licensee. Direct supervision, as defined in this subdivision, requires that the supervising optometrist be physically present and immediately available in the facility or office in which the optometric services are being provided when the temporary licensee is with a patient.

(f) The supervising optometrist shall have a formal written procedure in place by which patients are informed that an optometrist with a temporary license will be performing the services. Additionally, the patient shall be informed that the supervising optometrist will be supervising the temporary licensee and the supervising optometrist will be identified to the patient. The temporary licensee shall note in the medical record the patient’s consent to this process prior to performing services authorized by this chapter.

(g) During the timeframe in which the temporary licensee holds a temporary license, the temporary licensee shall not open their own optometric office or place of practice.

(h) The temporary license shall expire either upon the date that the temporary licensee completes all of the requirements for licensure or six months after the date the state of emergency, proclaimed by the Governor on March 4, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code, whichever occurs first.

(i) The supervising optometrist shall submit in writing to the board any violations of this chapter committed by the temporary licensee within 14 days of becoming aware of the violation.

(j) A person requesting to be a temporary licensee shall apply to the board pursuant to an application that shall be in substantially the following form, and may include any other information the board deems appropriate to safeguard the public from substandard optometric care, fraud, or other violation of this chapter:

“Application for Temporary License

Pursuant to Section 3046.1 of the Business and Professions Code, the board shall issue a temporary license to practice optometry to any person who applies for and is eligible for licensure pursuant to Section 3046 of the Business and Professions Code, but who is unable to immediately take the Section III - Clinical Skills Examination developed by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), required for licensure under this chapter, due to the state of emergency, proclaimed by the Governor on March 4, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If eligible, you must also meet and maintain the following requirements to be a temporary licensee:

(1) Never been previously licensed to practice optometry in any state in the United States; and

(2) Receive confirmation via transcript or other correspondence from your accredited school of optometry that you meet the educational requirements to practice optometry.

To apply to be a temporary licensee, provide documentation for item (2) above with your application. All documentation must be provided, or the application will be rejected.

First, Middle, and Last Name:

Address (City, State, Zip Code):

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Social Security or ITIN number:

Date of Birth:

Name of School of Optometry:

Address of School of Optometry (City, State, Zip Code, Country):

Date Degree Conferred:

Name and License Number of Supervising Optometrist:

Date you completed the CLRE:

Regulations require the submission of fingerprints prior to issuance of the temporary license. Due to a change in the regulations, fingerprints are now checked by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Live Scan is required for California residents and a Manual Fingerprint Card is required for non-California residents.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information provided on this form and the attached documents or other requested proof of completion is true and accurate. I understand and agree that any misstatements of material facts may be cause for denial of the Application for Temporary License and disciplinary action by the State Board of Optometry.

Applicant Signature:

Date: ”

(k) A person requesting to be a supervising optometrist shall apply to the board pursuant to an application that shall be in substantially the following form, and may include any other information the board deems appropriate to safeguard the public from substandard optometric care, fraud, or other violation of this chapter:

“Application to be a Supervising Optometrist

Pursuant to Section 3046.1 of the Business and Professions Code, an individual may act as supervising optometrist to a temporary licensee, as defined in that section, if they meet the following conditions:

(1) Has been licensed for a minimum of five years; and

(2) Has been certified for the treatment of glaucoma pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 3041.

To apply to be a supervising optometrist, provide documentation for items (1) and (2) above with your application. All documentation must be provided, or the application will be rejected.

First, Middle, and Last Name:

Address of Record:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

License Number:

Name of temporary licensee whom you will be

supervising:

1. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information provided on this form and the attached documents or other requested proof of completion is true and accurate. I understand and agree that any misstatements of material facts may be cause for denial of the application to be a Supervising Optometrist and disciplinary action by the State Board of Optometry.

AND

2. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that I will comply with all duties as a supervising optometrist set forth in Section 3046.1 of the Business and Professions Code, and that pursuant to that section, I am legally and professionally responsible for the actions of the temporary licensee which may result in action being taken against my license in cases of temporary licensee misconduct.

Applicant Signature:

Date: ”

(l) The board shall not be required to adopt regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) to carry out this section.

temporary license optometry practice clinical skills examination

Section § 3047

This law requires the board to create a connection with the National Practitioner Data Bank to check if anyone applying for a new or renewed license, or those already licensed, have been disciplined or involved in any federal reportable actions. Starting July 1, 2018, the board will add a $4 fee to the licensing fees to cover these checks.

(a) The board shall develop an interface with the National Practitioner Data Bank for the purpose of conducting inquiries on applicants for licensure, applicants for renewal of licensure, and current licensees.

(b) The board shall limit its inquiries to both of the following:

(1) Whether an applicant or current licensee has been subject to discipline.

(2) Whether an applicant or current licensee has been the subject of an action required to be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank by federal law.

(c) On and after July 1, 2018, the board shall charge, in addition to the fees in Section 3152, an applicant for licensure and an applicant for renewal of licensure four dollars ($4) for the purposes of this section.

National Practitioner Data Bank disciplinary action federal report

Section § 3051

This law requires anyone applying to become a licensed optometrist to prove they've been trained in recognizing child abuse and issues related to alcohol and substance addiction. This rule applies to those who started optometry school on or after September 1, 1997.

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.

optometrist license child abuse detection alcoholism detection

Section § 3053

This law states that exams for aspiring optometrists must be practical and assess whether someone is ready to work in that field. They must be conducted in English. The governing board can choose to accept exams given by other groups if they are equivalent to what's usually required.

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.

optometry exam practical examination fitness to practice

Section § 3054

To become licensed, a person must pass an exam set up to measure the necessary skills and knowledge. If someone doesn't pass part of the test, they can retake just the parts they didn't pass within the next five years.

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.

licensure examination passing grades psychometrically sound principles

Section § 3055

This section explains that a license will be given to those who fulfill the chapter's requirements, including paying the necessary fees and meeting other state law conditions. Licenses need to be renewed as instructed and will expire if not maintained. There's an option for late renewal as mentioned in another section.

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.

license issuance applicant requirements licensure fee

Section § 3056

This law explains how someone can get a license to practice optometry in California even if they are already licensed in another state. Key requirements include having a doctorate in optometry, being a full-time professor for at least five years, and passing a specific exam. Applicants must have a clean record, no past issues like malpractice, meet continuing education standards, and be qualified to use certain medications. They can't have their license revoked or be registered as a sex offender. An application fee is required, and licenses can be renewed under certain conditions.

(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 (d) 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.

optometry license doctor of optometry full-time faculty

Section § 3057

This law explains the conditions under which the board can grant an optometry license to someone who already has a license from another state. To be eligible, the applicant must have an optometry degree from an accredited school, pass a licensing exam in another state, and be in good standing with no disciplinary actions against them. The applicant must also prove their compliance with continuing education, have no history of license revocation or suspensions before 2018, not be a registered sex offender, meet certain certification requirements, and pass a legal knowledge test specific to optometry. In cases of emergencies, the board might adjust the application fee. The term 'in good standing' means the person isn't under investigation or dealing with any issues related to drug or alcohol impairment. Furthermore, the board can demand additional tests or courses if there's any doubt about the applicant's competency.

(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) 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.

(5) Has furnished a signed release allowing the disclosure of information from the National Practitioner 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.

(6) Has never had his or her license to practice optometry revoked or suspended in any state where the person holds a license. This paragraph shall become inoperative on July 1, 2018.

(7)

(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.

(8) Has met the minimum continuing education requirements set forth in Section 3059 for the current and preceding year.

(9) Has met the certification requirements of Section 3041.3 to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under subdivision (d) of Section 3041.

(10) Submits any other information as specified by the board to the extent it is required for licensure by examination under this chapter.

(11) 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.

(12) Pays an application fee in an amount equal to the application fee prescribed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 3152.

(13) 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 examination 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 may reduce or waive the fees required by paragraph (12) 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 licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist 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.

optometry license accredited school licensing examination

Section § 3059

This law requires optometrists in California to continue their education after getting their licenses. The optometry board will set rules for license renewal, asking optometrists to show they've kept up with new developments in the field. Exceptions to these education requirements can be made for reasons such as health or military service. The board may ask for proof of continuing education yearly or every two years. Optometrists using therapeutic drugs need 50 hours of education every two years, mainly on eye disease treatment. The board suggests courses in drugs and pharmacy, and it considers including training on child and elder abuse detection for those likely to encounter vulnerable groups.

(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, including the risks of addiction associated with the use of Schedule II drugs.

(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.

continuing education license renewal optometry

Section § 3060

This law requires the optometry board to regularly create and share information with optometrists about how to spot signs of child and elder abuse and neglect. They must work with relevant child and elder protection agencies to ensure the information is accurate and helpful.

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.

optometry child abuse detection elder abuse detection

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