The Optometry Fund is a special fund in the State Treasury where all money collected under the optometry chapter goes. This money is used for optometry-related purposes, but the Legislature must first approve its use. The board managing this fund can't keep more than six months' worth of operating expenses in reserve each year.

When fines are collected according to Section 3095, they must be placed in the Optometry Fund. The intention is for this money to mainly support the board's efforts in enforcing regulations.

An optometrist's license in California will expire at midnight on the last day of the issuing month after two years if it isn't renewed. To keep their license active, optometrists need to submit a renewal application using the board's specified form and pay the required fees.

If your optometrist license in California has expired, you can renew it within three years by submitting a renewal application, paying any fees, and proving you've completed required continuing education. This also applies to reactivating a retired license that's less than three years old. Once these requirements are met, your license becomes effective again.

Additionally, expired licenses related to practice locations or business names can also be renewed anytime by completing an application and paying relevant fees.

If your optometry license is suspended, it can still expire and needs to be renewed. However, renewing it doesn’t let you practice optometry until the suspension is lifted.

If your license is revoked, it will still expire, but you can't renew it. If you get it back after it expires, you have to pay a reinstatement fee that's 150% of the normal renewal fee.

If your professional license in this field has expired for more than three years—or if you have a retired license for over three years—you can still get it restored or reactivated under certain conditions. To do this, you must not have any legal issues that could lead to license denial or revocation.

You'll need to apply in writing using the proper form, pay the standard fees, and successfully pass a couple of exams. These include a clinical skills exam and a jurisprudence exam. Once you’ve passed, you also need to pay a restoration fee, which includes the renewal fee and any late fees.

If you have a license that hasn't been renewed in over three years, you might still get it back under certain conditions. You must show that you have an active license from another state, don't have reasons for license denial, apply for restoration in writing, pay all necessary renewal and late fees, prove you've completed the required continuing education in the past two years, and pass the board's legal knowledge test.

Every time a license for optometry is renewed every two years, $16 from each renewal fee is sent to the University of California.

This money is specifically used for optometry research and to support the optometry department at the university.

The rest of the renewal fee goes into the Optometry Fund.

This law allows the department to spend the money it needs to implement the rules and requirements of this chapter.

This law explains the process and conditions under which an optometrist in California can obtain a retired license. When an optometrist decides to retire, they must apply and pay a fee to receive a retired license, which exempts them from continuing education requirements. However, they cannot practice optometry anymore.

Retired optometrists can only use specific titles like "retired optometrist" or "optometrist, retired." If the retired license has been held for less than three years, reactivating it to full practice status is possible by meeting certain conditions. If more than three years have passed, different requirements must be fulfilled to return to active practice.

This law allows retired optometrists to receive a special license to provide volunteer services if they meet certain criteria. Optometrists can apply if they have a current, expired, or retired license within the last five years. Those with licenses retired over three years ago need additional continuing education. Applicants must certify that they will only provide unpaid services at health fairs and similar events. The special license must be renewed every two years with the required continuing education to remain valid, and it cannot be issued if certain legal issues exist.

This law sets the maximum fees and penalties related to optometry licenses and permits. The board establishes these fees, but they cannot exceed the specified amounts. For example, the initial license application fee is capped at $275, and renewing an optometric license cannot exceed $500. Other fees include those for branch office licenses, certificates to treat conditions like glaucoma, continuing education approvals, and immunization administration certificates. There are also specific fees for delinquency in renewing various permits and licenses, such as a $25 penalty for late renewal of a branch office license.

This law allows the board to charge fees for applying for or renewing a certificate to use therapeutic drugs. The fees can’t be more than what it costs the board to handle applications, renewals, and oversee certified licenseholders. This includes checking compliance with laws about using these drugs, diagnosing and treating conditions, and doing specific medical procedures.