This chapter constitutes the chapter on optometry. It shall be known and may be cited as the Optometry Practice Act.
OptometryGeneral Provisions
Section § 3000
This section announces that the set of rules about optometry is called the Optometry Practice Act.
Optometry Practice Act optometry rules chapter on optometry
Section § 3001
This law defines an ophthalmic lens as any lens that has some type of spherical, cylindrical, or prismatic power, which means it is shaped in a way to correct vision by focusing light properly.
As used in this chapter, an ophthalmic lens is any lens which has a spherical, cylindrical, or prismatic power or value.
ophthalmic lens spherical power cylindrical power
Section § 3002
This section defines a 'trial frame or test lens' as any frame or lens used to test a person's eyesight. These are not sold and are not available for sale to clients.
As used in this chapter, a trial frame or test lens is any frame or lens used in testing the eye, which is not sold and is not for sale to clients.
trial frame test lens eye testing
Section § 3003
This section defines an 'optometrist' as someone who is legally authorized to practice optometry in the state, following the rules of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, “optometrist” means a person who is licensed to practice optometry in this state under the authority of this chapter.
optometrist definition licensed practice optometry license
Section § 3004
This section clarifies that whenever the term 'board' is used in the chapter, it specifically refers to the California State Board of Optometry. It also states that any reference to the 'State Board of Optometry' in other codes should be understood as referring to the 'California State Board of Optometry.'
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 3004(a) As used in this chapter, “board” means the California State Board of Optometry.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 3004(b) Any reference in this code or any other code to the “State Board of Optometry” shall be deemed to refer to the “California State Board of Optometry.”
California State Board of Optometry State Board of Optometry optometry regulation
Section § 3005
In this section, "place of practice" refers to any location where optometrists perform their work.
As used in this chapter, “place of practice” means any location where optometry is practiced.
optometry place of practice location
Section § 3006
This section defines the term "advertise" in the context of optometry. It means using any form of communication like newspapers, the Internet, signs, radio announcements, and other methods to let people know about optometry services or related products like lenses and frames.
As used in this chapter, the term “advertise” and any of its variants include the use of a newspaper, magazine, the Internet, or other publication, book, notice, circular, pamphlet, letter, handbill, poster, bill, sign, placard, card, label, tag, window display, store sign, radio announcement, or any other means or methods now or hereafter employed to bring to the attention of the public the practice of optometry or the prescribing, fitting, or sale, in connection therewith, of lenses, frames, or other accessories or appurtenances.
advertise optometry newspaper
Section § 3007
This law requires optometrists to keep a patient's records for at least seven years after finishing their treatment. If the patient is under 18, the records should be kept for seven years or until they turn 19, whichever is longer.
An optometrist shall retain a patient’s records for a minimum of seven years from the date he or she completes treatment of the patient. If the patient is a minor, the patient’s records shall be retained for a minimum of seven years from the date he or she completes treatment of the patient and at least until the patient reaches 19 years of age.
optometrist patient records retention seven years
