Chapter 4725 | Optometrists; Dispensing Opticians

Section
Section 4725.01 \| Optometry definitions. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in this chapter: (A) The "practice of optometry" means all of the following: (1) The application of optical principles, through technical methods and devices, in the examination of human eyes for the purpose of ascertaining departures from the normal, measuring their functional powers, adapting optical accessories for the aid thereof, and detecting ocular abnormalities that may be evidence of disease, pathology, or injury; (2) Employing, applying, administering, and prescribing instruments, devices, and procedures, other than invasive procedures, for purpose of examination, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, injury, or other abnormal condition of the visual system; (3) Employing, applying, administering, and prescribing topical ocular pharmaceutical agents; (4) Employing, applying, administering, and prescribing therapeutic pharmaceutical agents; (5) Assisting an individual in determining the individual's blood glucose level by using a commercially available glucose-monitoring device. Nothing in this section precludes a licensed optometrist from using any particular type of commercially available glucose-monitoring device; (6) Designing, fabricating, and fitting artificial eyes or prostheses associated with the appearance or function of the human eye. (B) "Topical ocular pharmaceutical agent" means a drug or dangerous drug that is a topical drug and used for evaluative purposes in the practice of optometry or for purposes of examination, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, injury, or other abnormal condition of the visual system. (C) "Therapeutic pharmaceutical agent" means a drug or dangerous drug that is used for examination, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, injury, or other abnormal condition of the visual system in the practice of optometry by a licensed optometrist, and is any of the following: (1) An oral drug or dangerous drug in one of the following classifications: (a) Anti-infectives, including antibiotics, antivirals, antimicrobials, and antifungals; (b) Anti-allergy agents; (c) Antiglaucoma agents; (d) Analgesics, including only analgesic drugs that are available without a prescription, analgesic drugs or dangerous drugs that require a prescription but are not controlled substances, and, to the extent authorized by the state vision professionals board in rules adopted under section 4725.091 of the Revised Code, analgesic controlled substances; (e) Anti-inflammatories, excluding all drugs or dangerous drugs classified as oral steroids other than methylpredisolone, except that methylpredisolone may be used only if it is prescribed under all of the following conditions: (i) For use in allergy cases; (ii) For use by an individual who is eighteen years of age or older; (iii) On the basis of an individual's particular episode of illness; (iv) In an amount that does not exceed the amount packaged for a single course of therapy. (2) Epinephrine administered by injection to individuals in emergency situations to counteract anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, administration of epinephrine in this manner does not constitute performance of an invasive procedure. (3) An oral drug or dangerous drug that is not included under division (C)(1) of this section, if the drug or dangerous drug is approved, exempt from approval, certified, or exempt from certification by the federal food and drug administration for ophthalmic purposes and the drug or dangerous drug is specified in rules adopted by the board under section 4725.09 of the Revised Code. (D) "Controlled substance" has the same meaning as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code. (E) "Drug" and "dangerous drug" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code. (F) "Invasive procedure" means any procedure that involves cutting or otherwise infiltrating human tissue by mechanical means including surgery, laser surgery, ionizing radiation, therapeutic ultrasound, administering medication by injection, or the removal of intraocular foreign bodies. (G) "Visual system" means the human eye and its accessory or subordinate anatomical parts. (H) "Certificate of licensure" means a certificate issued by the board under section 4725.13 of the Revised Code authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry. Last updated February 23, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Section 4725.011 \| Vision-correcting device delivering drugs. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In prescribing and dispensing vision correction devices, a licensed optometrist may prescribe and dispense any device that has vision correction as its primary purpose but also combines with that purpose the delivery of a drug or dangerous drug through the device, if the drug delivered by the device would otherwise be a topical ocular pharmaceutical agent or oral therapeutic pharmaceutical agent. Devices authorized by this section include, but are not limited to, vision-correcting contact lenses that deliver such drugs or dangerous drugs. Last updated February 23, 2023 at 10:38 AM
Section 4725.02 \| License required. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as provided in section 4725.26 of the Revised Code, no person shall engage in the practice of optometry, including the determination of the kind of procedure, treatment, or optical accessories needed by a person or the examination of the eyes of any person for the purpose of fitting the same with optical accessories, unless the person holds a current, valid certificate of licensure from the state vision professionals board. No person shall claim to be the lawful holder of a certificate of licensure when in fact the person is not such lawful holder, or impersonate any licensed optometrist. (B) No optometrist shall personally furnish a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent to any person, except that a licensed optometrist may personally furnish a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent to a patient if no charge is imposed for the agent or for furnishing it and the amount furnished does not exceed a seventy-two hour supply, except that if the minimum available quantity of the agent is greater than a seventy-two hour supply, the optometrist may furnish the minimum available quantity. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:31 PM
Section 4725.031 \| State vision professionals board. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) There is hereby created the state vision professionals board consisting of the following members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate: (1) Four individuals licensed as optometrists under this chapter; (2) Two individuals licensed as licensed dispensing opticians under this chapter; (3) One individual representing the general public. (B) Not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section, the governor shall make initial appointments to the board. Of the initial appointments, three members shall serve terms ending March 22, 2019, two members shall serve terms ending March 22, 2020, and two members shall serve terms ending March 22, 2021. Thereafter, terms of office are three years, with each term commencing on the twenty-third day of March and ending on the twenty-second day of March. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed, except that a member shall continue in office after the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office. No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. (C) When the term of a member of the board expires or a vacancy occurs on the board, a professional association representing the interests of the occupation of the board position to be filled may recommend to the governor individuals to fill the position. The governor shall consider the recommendation in making appointments to the board. (D) No individual may be appointed to the board who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States. The governor may remove a member of the board for malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance after a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The governor shall remove, after a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, any member who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States.
Section 4725.032 \| References to board and director. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Whenever the term "state board of optometry" or "Ohio optical dispensers board" is used in any statute, rule, contract, or other document, the use shall be construed to mean the "state vision professionals board." Whenever "executive director of the state board of optometry" or "executive secretary-treasurer of the Ohio optical dispensers board" is used in a statute, rule, contract, or other document, the use shall be construed to mean the executive director of the state vision professionals board.
Section 4725.04 \| Organization of board. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall organize by the election of a president and a secretary from its members, who shall hold their respective offices for one year. The board shall hold meetings to perform its regular duties at least four times each year. At least one of the board's regular meetings shall be held in Franklin county. The board may hold additional meetings as it considers necessary. The time and place of any regular or other meeting shall be fixed and published by the board at least thirty days prior to the date that it is to be held, except when the meeting to be held is an emergency or special meeting, in which case the board shall give twenty-four hours' notice or as much notice as possible under the circumstances. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum.
Section 4725.05 \| Executive director - employees. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall hire an executive director. Before entering upon the discharge of official duties of office, the executive director shall give a bond, to be approved by the board, in the sum of two thousand dollars conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office. The premium for such bond shall be paid as are other expenditures of the board. The bond, with the approval of the board and oath of office indorsed thereon, shall be deposited with the secretary of state and kept in the secretary of state's office. The executive director of the board, in consultation with the director of administrative services, may employ such assistants, inspectors, investigators, and other employees as are necessary to administer this chapter, the expenses thereof to be charged and paid as other expenditures of the board.
Section 4725.06 \| Compensation and expenses of board. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Each member of the state vision professionals board shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day the member is performing the member's official duties and be reimbursed for the actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing such duties. The board, in consultation with the director of administrative services, shall set the compensation of its executive director and of any employees of the board. The executive director of the board shall receive reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of the executive director's official duties. All vouchers of the board shall be approved by the board president or executive director, or both, as authorized by the board.
Section 4725.07 \| Records - seal. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall adopt a seal and certificate of suitable design and shall keep a record of its proceedings, a register of every individual holding a certificate of licensure, license, registration, or endorsement issued under this chapter, and a register of every individual whose certificate of licensure, license, registration, or endorsement has been revoked under this chapter. The board shall have an office in Franklin county, where all its permanent records shall be kept. On request of the board, the director of administrative services shall supply the board with office space and supplies, including stationery and furniture. All printing and binding necessary for the work of the board shall be done upon an order issued by the board through its president and executive director to the department of administrative services. Except as provided in this chapter, the records of the board, including its registers, shall be open to public inspection at all reasonable times. A copy of an entry in such records, certified by the executive director under the seal of the board, shall be prima-facie evidence of the facts therein stated. The board annually, on or before the first day of February, shall make a report to the governor of all its official acts during the preceding year, its receipts and disbursements, and a complete report of the conditions of optometry and optical dispensing in this state. The board shall submit its first report to the governor not later than February 1, 2019. The board shall submit its reports to the governor electronically. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:56 AM
Section 4725.08 \| State vision professionals board; immunity. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In the absence of fraud or bad faith, the state vision professionals board, a current or former board member, an agent of the board, a person formally requested by the board to be the board's representative, or an employee of the board shall not be held liable in damages to any person as the result of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct, or decision related to official duties undertaken or performed pursuant to this chapter. If any such person asks to be defended by the state against any claim or action arising out of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct, or decision related to the person's official duties, and if the request is made in writing at a reasonable time before trial and the person requesting defense cooperates in good faith in the defense of the claim or action, the state shall provide and pay for the person's defense and shall pay any resulting judgment, compromise, or settlement. At no time shall the state pay any part of a claim or judgment that is for punitive or exemplary damages.
Section 4725.09 \| Administrative rules. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall adopt rules as it considers necessary to govern the practice of optometry and to administer and enforce sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code. All rules adopted under those sections shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (B) The board, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, shall adopt rules specifying any oral drugs or dangerous drugs that are therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under division (C)(3) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code. (C) The board shall adopt rules that establish standards to be met and procedures to be followed with respect to the delegation by an optometrist of the performance of an optometric task to a person who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to perform the task. The rules shall permit an optometrist to delegate the administration of drugs included in the optometrist's scope of practice. The rules adopted under this division shall provide for all of the following: (1) On-site supervision when the delegation occurs in an institution or other facility that is used primarily for the purpose of providing health care, unless the board established a specific exception to the on-site supervision requirement with respect to routine administration of a topical drug; (2) Evaluation of whether delegation is appropriate according to the acuity of the patient involved; (3) Training and competency requirements that must be met by the person administering the drugs; (4) Other standards and procedures the board considers relevant. (D) The board shall adopt rules establishing criminal records checks requirements for applicants under section 4776.03 of the Revised Code. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:32 PM
Section 4725.091 \| Rules regarding analgesic controlled substances. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall adopt rules governing the authority of licensed optometrists to employ, apply, administer, and prescribe analgesic controlled substances. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and in consultation with the state board of pharmacy. (B) All of the following apply to the state vision professionals board in the adoption of rules under this section: (1) The board shall not permit an optometrist to employ, apply, administer, or prescribe an analgesic controlled substance other than a drug product that is used for the treatment of pain and meets one of the following conditions: (a) The product is a preparation that contains an amount of codeine per dosage unit, as specified by the board, and also contains other active, nonnarcotic ingredients, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, in a therapeutic amount. (b) The product is a preparation that contains an amount of hydrocodone per dosage unit, as specified by the board, and also contains other active, nonnarcotic ingredients, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, in a therapeutic amount. (c) The product contains or consists of a drug or dangerous drug that was an analgesic included in the practice of optometry under a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certificate immediately prior to March 23, 2015, was not a controlled substance at that time, and subsequently becomes a schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substance. (2) The board shall limit the analgesic controlled substances that optometrists may employ, apply, administer, or prescribe to the drugs that the board determines are appropriate for use in the practice of optometry. (3) With regard to the prescribing of analgesic controlled substances, the board shall establish prescribing standards to be followed by optometrists. The board shall take into account the prescribing standards that exist within the health care marketplace. (4) The board shall establish standards and procedures for employing, applying, administering, and prescribing analgesic controlled substances by taking into consideration and examining issues that include the appropriate length of drug therapy, appropriate standards for drug treatment, necessary monitoring systems, and any other factors the board considers relevant. Last updated March 9, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Section 4725.092 \| Adoption of rules regarding information on drug database. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "drug database" means the database established and maintained by the state board of pharmacy pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code. (B) The state vision professionals board shall adopt rules that establish standards and procedures to be followed by an optometrist regarding the review of patient information available through the drug database under division (A)(5) of section 4729.80 of the Revised Code. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (C) This section and the rules adopted under it do not apply if the state board of pharmacy no longer maintains the drug database. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:33 PM
Section 4725.10 \| Approving schools of optometry. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall evaluate schools of optometry and grant its approval to schools that adequately prepare their graduates for the practice of optometry in this state. Approval shall be granted only by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board. (B) To be approved by the board, a school of optometry shall meet at least the following conditions: (1) Be accredited by a professional optometric accrediting agency recognized by the board; (2) Require as a prerequisite to admission to the school's courses in optometry at least two academic years of study with credits of at least sixty semester hours or ninety quarter hours in a college of arts and sciences accredited by a post-secondary education accrediting organization recognized by the board; (3) Require a course of study of at least four academic years with credits of at least one hundred thirty-four semester hours or two hundred quarter hours. (C) The board may establish standards for the approval of schools of optometry that are higher than the standards specified in division (B) of this section.
Section 4725.11 \| Examination. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall accept as the examination that must be passed to receive a license to practice optometry in this state the examination prepared, administered, and graded by the national board of examiners in optometry or an examination prepared, administered, and graded by another professional testing organization recognized by the board as being qualified to examine applicants for licenses to practice optometry in this state. The board shall periodically review its acceptance of a licensing examination under this section to determine if the examination and the organization offering it continue to meet standards the board considers appropriate. (B) The licensing examination accepted by the board under this section may be divided into parts and offered as follows: (1) Part one: Tests in basic science, human biology, ocular and visual biology, theoretical ophthalmic, physiological optics, and physiological psychology; (2) Part two: Tests in clinical science, systemic conditions, the treatment and management of ocular disease, refractive oculomotor, sensory integrative conditions, perceptual conditions, public health, the legal issues regarding the clinical practice of optometry, and pharmacology; (3) Part three: Tests in patient care and management, clinical skills, and the visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs. (C) The licensing examination accepted by the board may be offered in a manner other than the manner specified in division (B) of this section, but if offered in another manner, the examination must test the person sitting for the examination in the areas specified in division (B) of this section and may test the person in other areas. The board may require as a condition of its acceptance of an examination that the examination cover subject matters in addition to those specified in division (B) of this section, if the schools of optometry it approves under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code include the additional subject matters in their prescribed curriculum. (D) The board shall accept direct delivery of the results of the licensing examination from the testing organization administering the examination. The results shall be kept as a permanent part of the board's records maintained pursuant to section 4725.07 of the Revised Code. (E) On request of any person seeking to practice optometry in this state, the board shall provide information on the licensing examination accepted by the board, including requirements that must be met to be eligible to sit for the examination and the dates the examination is offered.
Section 4725.12 \| Written application for certificate of licensure. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each person who desires to commence the practice of optometry in the state shall file with the executive director of the state vision professionals board an application for a certificate of licensure. The application shall be accompanied by the fee specified under section 4725.34 of the Revised Code and shall contain all information the board considers necessary to determine whether an applicant is qualified to receive the certificate of licensure. The application shall be made upon the form prescribed by the board and shall be verified by the oath of the applicant. (B) To receive a certificate of licensure, an applicant must meet all of the following conditions: (1) Be at least eighteen years of age; (2) Complete satisfactorily a course of study of at least six college years; (3) Graduate from a school of optometry approved by the board under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code; (4) Pass the licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code. Last updated March 9, 2023 at 12:35 PM
Section 4725.121 \| License applicant to comply with RC Chapter 4776. Effective: October 9, 2021 Latest Legislation: House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code, except that "license" as used in both of those terms refers to the types of authorizations otherwise issued or conferred under this chapter. (B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state vision professionals board shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:04 AM
Section 4725.13 \| Issuing and display of certificate. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 (GA 134), House Bill 509 (GA 134) PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members, shall issue a certificate of licensure authorizing the holder to engage in the practice of optometry under its seal to every applicant who passes all parts of the licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code and otherwise complies with the requirements of sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code. (B) Each person to whom a certificate of licensure is issued pursuant to this section by the board shall keep the certificate of licensure displayed in a conspicuous place in the location at which that person practices optometry and shall whenever required exhibit the certificate of licensure to any member or agent of the board. If an optometrist practices outside of or away from the location at which the optometrist's certificate of licensure is displayed, the optometrist shall deliver to each person examined or fitted with optical accessories by the optometrist, a receipt signed by the optometrist in which the optometrist shall set forth the amounts charged, the optometrist's post-office address, and the number assigned to the optometrist's certificate of licensure. The information may be provided as part of a prescription given to the person. (C) Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code does not apply to certificates issued under division (A)(2) or (3) of this section. The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 7:01 AM
Section 4725.131 \| Continued practice of topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate holders. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) An individual who, before the effective date of this section, holds a valid certificate of licensure or topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate issued by the state vision professionals board may continue to engage in the practice of optometry as defined in former division (A)(1) or (2) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code, if the individual continues to comply with this chapter. (B) An individual described in division (A) of this section may complete a course of study prescribed by former section 4725.14 of the Revised Code to engage in the practice of optometry under this chapter. Last updated February 27, 2023 at 5:17 PM
Section 4725.15 \| Failing examination or part four times. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If the state vision professionals board receives notice under division (D) of section 4725.11 of the Revised Code that an applicant has failed four times the licensing examination or part of the examination that must be passed pursuant to section 4725.12 of the Revised Code, the board shall not give further consideration to the application until the applicant completes thirty hours of remedial training approved by the board in the specific subject area or areas covered by the examination or part of the examination that was failed. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:35 PM
Section 4725.16 \| Expiration of certificate - renewal. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A)(1) Each certificate of licensure for the practice of optometry issued by the state vision professionals board shall expire on the last day of December of each even-numbered year, and may be renewed in accordance with this section and the standard renewal procedure established under Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code. (2) An optometrist seeking to continue to practice optometry shall file with the board an application for license renewal. The application shall be in such form and require such pertinent professional biographical data as the board may require. (3)(a) Except as provided in division (A)(3)(b) of this section, in the case of an optometrist seeking renewal who prescribes or personally furnishes analgesic controlled substances authorized pursuant to section 4725.091 of the Revised Code that are opioid analgesics, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code, the optometrist shall certify to the board whether the optometrist has been granted access to the drug database established and maintained by the state board of pharmacy pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code. (b) The requirement in division (A)(3)(a) of this section does not apply if any of the following is the case: (i) The state board of pharmacy notifies the state vision professionals board pursuant to section 4729.861 of the Revised Code that the license holder has been restricted from obtaining further information from the drug database. (ii) The state board of pharmacy no longer maintains the drug database. (iii) The license holder does not practice optometry in this state. (c) If an optometrist certifies to the state vision professionals board that the optometrist has been granted access to the drug database and the board finds through an audit or other means that the optometrist has not been granted access, the board may take action under section 4725.19 of the Revised Code. (B) All licensed optometrists shall complete continuing education in subjects relating to the practice of optometry, to the end that the utilization and application of new techniques, scientific and clinical advances, and the achievements of research will assure comprehensive care to the public. The board shall prescribe by rule the continuing optometric education that licensed optometrists must complete. The length of study shall be fifty clock hours each biennial licensing period, including twenty clock hours of instruction in pharmacology to be completed by all licensed optometrists. Unless the continuing education required under this division is waived or deferred under division (D) of this section, the continuing education must be completed during the biennial licensing period beginning on the first day of January of each odd-numbered year and ending on the last day of December of each even-numbered year. If the board receives notice from a continuing education program indicating that an optometrist completed the program after the last day of December of an even-numbered year, and the optometrist wants to use the continuing education completed after that day to renew the license, the optometrist shall pay the penalty specified under section 4725.34 of the Revised Code for late completion of continuing education. At least once annually, the board shall post on its web site and shall mail, or send by electronic mail, to each licensed optometrist a list of courses approved in accordance with standards prescribed by board rule. Upon the request of a licensed optometrist, the executive director of the board shall supply a list of additional courses that the board has approved subsequent to the most recent web site posting, electronic mail transmission, or mailing of the list of approved courses. (C)(1) Not later than the first day of November of each even-numbered year, the board shall mail or send by electronic mail a notice regarding license renewal to each licensed optometrist who may be eligible for renewal. The notice shall be sent to the optometrist's most recent electronic mail or mailing address shown in the board's records. If the board knows that the optometrist has completed the required continuing optometric education for the biennium, the board may include with the notice an application for license renewal. (2) Filing a license renewal application with the board shall serve as notice by the optometrist that the continuing optometric education requirement has been successfully completed. If the board finds that an optometrist has not completed the required continuing optometric education, the board shall disapprove the optometrist's application. The board's disapproval of renewal is effective without a hearing, unless a hearing is requested pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (3) The board shall refuse to accept an application for renewal from any applicant whose license is not in good standing or who is under disciplinary review pursuant to section 4725.19 of the Revised Code. (4) Notice of an applicant's failure to qualify for renewal shall be served upon the applicant by mail to the applicant's last address shown in the board's records. (D) In cases of certified illness or undue hardship, the board may waive or defer for up to twelve months the requirement of continuing optometric education, except that in such cases the board may not waive or defer the continuing education in pharmacology required to be completed by optometrists. The board shall waive the requirement of continuing optometric education for any optometrist who is serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state or who has received an initial certificate of licensure during the nine-month period which ended on the last day of December of an even-numbered year. (E) An optometrist whose renewal application has been approved may renew the license held by paying to the treasurer of state the fee for renewal specified under section 4725.34 of the Revised Code. On payment of all applicable fees, the board shall issue a renewal of the optometrist's certificate of licensure. (F) Not later than the fifteenth day of January of each odd-numbered year, the board shall mail or send by electronic mail a second notice regarding license renewal to each licensed optometrist who may be eligible for renewal but did not respond to the notice sent under division (C)(1) of this section. The notice shall be sent to the optometrist's most recent electronic mail or mailing address shown in the board's records. If an optometrist fails to file a renewal application after the second notice is sent, the board shall send a third notice regarding license renewal prior to any action under division (I) of this section to classify the optometrist's license as expired. (G) The failure of an optometrist to apply for license renewal or the failure to pay the applicable renewal fee on or before the date of expiration, shall automatically work a forfeiture of the optometrist's authority to practice optometry in this state. (H) The board shall accept renewal applications and renewal fees that are submitted from the first day of January to the last day of January of the odd-numbered year next succeeding the date of expiration. An individual who submits such a late renewal application or fee shall pay the late renewal fee specified in section 4725.34 of the Revised Code. (I)(1) If the date of expiration of a certificate of licensure issued by the board to an individual has passed and the individual has not filed a complete application during the late renewal period, the individual's certificate of licensure shall be classified in the board's records as expired. (2) Any optometrist whose certificate of licensure has been classified as expired may submit an application to the board for reinstatement. For reinstatement to occur, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions: (a) Submit to the board evidence of compliance with board rules requiring continuing optometric education in a sufficient number of hours to make up for any delinquent compliance; (b) Pay the renewal fees for the biennium in which application for reinstatement is made; (c) Pass all or part of the licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code as the board considers appropriate to determine whether the application for reinstatement should be approved; (d) If the applicant has been practicing optometry in another state or country, submit evidence that the applicant's license to practice optometry in the other state or country is in good standing. (3) The board shall approve an application for reinstatement if the conditions specified in division (I)(2) of this section are met. An optometrist who receives reinstatement is subject to the continuing education requirements specified under division (B) of this section for the year in which reinstatement occurs. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:35 PM
Section 4725.18 \| Endorsement. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 (GA 134), House Bill 509 (GA 134) PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board may issue a certificate of licensure by endorsement to an individual licensed as an optometrist by a Canadian province if the board determines that the province has standards for the practice of optometry that are at least as stringent as the standards established under sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code and the individual meets the conditions specified in division (B) of this section. The certificate of licensure may be issued only by an affirmative vote of a majority of the board's members. (B) An individual seeking a certificate of licensure pursuant to division (A) of this section shall submit an application to the board. To receive the certificate of licensure, an applicant must meet all of the following conditions: (1) Meet the same qualifications that an individual must meet under divisions (B)(1) to (3) of section 4725.12 of the Revised Code to receive a certificate of licensure under that section; (2) Be licensed to practice optometry by a Canadian province that requires passage of a written, entry-level examination at the time of initial licensure; (3) Be licensed in good standing by the optometry licensing agency of the province, evidenced by submission of a letter from the licensing agency of the province attesting to the applicant's good standing; (4) Provide the board with certified reports from the optometry licensing agencies of all provinces in which the applicant is licensed or has been licensed to practice optometry describing all past and pending actions taken by those agencies with respect to the applicant's authority to practice optometry in those jurisdictions, including such actions as investigations, entering into consent agreements, suspensions, revocations, and refusals to issue or renew a license; (5) Have been actively engaged in the practice of optometry, including the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, for at least three years immediately preceding making application under this section; (6) Pay the nonrefundable application fee established under section 4725.34 of the Revised Code for a certificate of licensure; (7) Submit all transcripts, reports, or other information the board requires; (8) Participate in a two-hour instruction session provided by the board on the optometry statutes and rules of this state or pass an Ohio optometry jurisprudence test administered by the board; (9) Pass all or part of the licensing examination accepted by the board under section 4725.11 of the Revised Code, if the board determines that testing is necessary to determine whether the applicant's qualifications are sufficient for issuance of a certificate of licensure under this section; (10) Not have been previously denied issuance of a certificate of licensure by the board. (C) The board shall issue a certificate of licensure in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies: (1) The applicant holds a certificate or license in another state. (2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter in the practice of optometry in a state that does not issue that license or certificate. The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:56 AM
Section 4725.19 \| Disciplinary actions. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members, the state vision professionals board, for any of the reasons specified in division (B) of this section, shall refuse to grant a certificate of licensure to practice optometry to an applicant and may, with respect to a licensed optometrist, do one or more of the following: (1) Suspend the operation of any certificate of licensure granted by it to the optometrist; (2) Permanently revoke the certificate of licensure; (3) Limit or otherwise place restrictions on the certificate of licensure; (4) Reprimand the optometrist; (5) Impose a monetary penalty. If the reason for which the board is imposing the penalty involves a criminal offense that carries a fine under the Revised Code, the penalty shall not exceed the maximum fine that may be imposed for the criminal offense. In any other case, the penalty imposed by the board shall not exceed five hundred dollars. (6) Require the optometrist to take corrective action courses. The amount and content of corrective action courses shall be established by the board in rules adopted under section 4725.09 of the Revised Code. (B) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, the sanctions specified in division (A) of this section may be taken by the board for any of the following reasons: (1) Committing fraud in passing the licensing examination or making false or purposely misleading statements in an application for a certificate of licensure; (2) Being at any time guilty of immorality, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed; (3) Being guilty of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct in the practice of optometry; (4) Being at any time guilty of a felony, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed; (5) Being at any time guilty of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed; (6) Violating the conditions of any limitation or other restriction placed by the board on a certificate of licensure issued by the board; (7) Engaging in the practice of optometry as provided in section 4725.01 of the Revised Code when the certificate of licensure authorizing that practice is under suspension, in which case the board shall permanently revoke the certificate of licensure; (8) Being denied a license to practice optometry in another state or country or being subject to any other sanction by the optometric licensing authority of another state or country, other than sanctions imposed for the nonpayment of fees; (9) Departing from or failing to conform to acceptable and prevailing standards of care in the practice of optometry as followed by similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to a patient is established; (10) Failing to maintain comprehensive patient records; (11) Advertising a price of optical accessories, eye examinations, or other products or services by any means that would deceive or mislead the public; (12) Being addicted to the use of alcohol, stimulants, narcotics, or any other substance which impairs the intellect and judgment to such an extent as to hinder or diminish the performance of the duties included in the person's practice of optometry; (13) Engaging in the practice of optometry as provided in section 4725.01 of the Revised Code without authority to do so or, if authorized, in a manner inconsistent with the authority granted; (14) Failing to make a report to the board as required by division (A) of section 4725.21 or section 4725.31 of the Revised Code; (15) Soliciting patients from door to door or establishing temporary offices, in which case the board shall suspend the certificate of licensure held by the optometrist; (16) Except as provided in division (D) of this section: (a) Waiving the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers optometric services, would otherwise be required to pay if the waiver is used as an enticement to a patient or group of patients to receive health care services from that optometrist. (b) Advertising that the optometrist will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers optometric services, would otherwise be required to pay. (17) Failing to comply with the requirements in section 3719.061 of the Revised Code before issuing for a minor a prescription for an analgesic controlled substance authorized pursuant to section 4725.091 of the Revised Code that is an opioid analgesic, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code; (18) Violating the rules adopted under section 4725.66 of the Revised Code; (19) A pattern of continuous or repeated violations of division (E)(2) or (3) of section 3963.02 of the Revised Code. (C) Any person who is the holder of a certificate of licensure, or who is an applicant for a certificate of licensure against whom is preferred any charges, shall be furnished by the board with a copy of the complaint and shall have a hearing before the board in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (D) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (B)(16) of this section against any optometrist who waives deductibles and copayments: (1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copayments shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Documentation of the consent shall be made available to the board upon request. (2) For professional services rendered to any other optometrist licensed by the board, to the extent allowed by sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code and the rules of the board. (E) The board shall not refuse to grant a certificate of licensure to practice optometry to an applicant because of a conviction of or plea of guilty to an offense unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code. (F) If a violation described in this section has caused, is causing, or is about to cause substantial and material harm, the board may issue an order requiring that person to cease and desist from engaging in the violation. Notice of the order shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately after its issuance to the person subject to the order and to all persons known to be involved in the violation. The board may thereafter publicize or otherwise make known to all interested parties that the order has been issued. The notice shall specify the particular act, omission, practice, or transaction that is subject to the cease-and-desist order and shall set a date, not more than fifteen days after the date of the order, for a hearing on the continuation or revocation of the order. The person shall comply with the order immediately upon receipt of notice of the order. The board may, on the application of a party and for good cause shown, continue the hearing. Chapter 119. of the Revised Code applies to the hearing to the extent that that chapter does not conflict with the procedures set forth in this section. The board shall, within fifteen days after objections are submitted to the hearing officer's report and recommendation, issue a final order either confirming or revoking the cease-and-desist order. The final order may be appealed as provided under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. The remedy under this division is cumulative and concurrent with the other remedies available under this section. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Section 4725.20 \| Effect of child support default on license or certificate. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state vision professionals board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate of licensure issued by the board under this chapter. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:37 PM
Section 4725.21 \| Duty to report unprofessional conduct or addiction - complaints. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) If an optometrist licensed by the state vision professionals board has reason to believe that another optometrist licensed currently or previously by the board has engaged in any course of treatment or other services to a patient that constitutes unprofessional conduct under section 4725.19 of the Revised Code, or has an addiction subject to board action under section 4725.19 of the Revised Code, the optometrist shall make a report to the board. (B) Any person may report to the board in a signed writing any information that the person may have that appears to show a violation of any provision of sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code or the rules adopted under those sections. (C) Each complaint or allegation of a violation received by the board shall be assigned a case number and shall be recorded by the board. (D) In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no person who reports to the board under this section or testifies in any adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall be liable to any person for damages in a civil action as a result of the report or testimony.
Section 4725.22 \| Professional liability insurer to report final disposition of claim for damages. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each insurer providing professional liability insurance to an optometrist licensed under this chapter, or any other entity that seeks to indemnify the professional liability of an optometrist licensed under this chapter, shall notify the state vision professionals board within thirty days after the final disposition of a claim for damages. The notice shall contain the following information: (1) The name and address of the person submitting the notification; (2) The name and address of the insured who is the subject of the claim; (3) The name of the person filing the written claim; (4) The date of final disposition; (5) If applicable, the identity of the court in which the final disposition of the claim took place. (B) Each optometrist licensed under this chapter shall notify the board within thirty days of receipt of the final disposition of a claim for damages or any action involving malpractice. The optometrist shall notify the board by registered mail and shall provide all reports and other information required by the board. (C) Information received under this section is not a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be released except as otherwise required by law or a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 4725.23 \| Investigations - confidentiality of information. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that a person has violated any provision of sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections. Investigations of alleged violations shall be supervised by the member of the board appointed by the board to act as the supervising member of investigations. The supervising member shall not participate in the final vote that occurs in an adjudication of the case. (B) In investigating a possible violation, the board may administer oaths, order the taking of depositions, issue subpoenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony. A subpoena for patient record information shall not be issued without consultation with the attorney general's office and approval of the secretary of the board and the board's supervising member of investigations. Before issuance of a subpoena for patient record information, the secretary and supervising member shall determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the complaint filed alleges a violation of sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code or any rule adopted under those sections and that the records sought are relevant to the alleged violation and material to the investigation. The subpoena may apply only to records that cover a reasonable period of time surrounding the alleged violation. On failure to comply with any subpoena issued by the board and after reasonable notice to the person being subpoenaed, the board may move for an order compelling the production of persons or records pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure. A subpoena issued by the board may be served by a sheriff, the sheriff's deputy, or a board employee designated by the board. Service of a subpoena issued by the board may be made by delivering a copy of the subpoena to the person named therein, reading it to the person, or leaving it at the person's usual place of residence. When the person being served is an optometrist licensed under this chapter, service of the subpoena may be made by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, and the subpoena shall be deemed served on the date delivery is made or the date the optometrist refuses to accept delivery. Each witness who appears before the board in obedience to a subpoena shall receive the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code. (C) Information received by the board pursuant to an investigation is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action. The board shall conduct all investigations and proceedings in a manner that protects the confidentiality of patients and persons who file complaints with the board. The board shall not make public the names or any other identifying information about patients or complainants unless proper consent is given. The board may share any information it receives pursuant to an investigation, including patient records and patient record information, with other licensing boards and governmental agencies that are investigating alleged professional misconduct and with law enforcement agencies and other governmental agencies that are investigating or prosecuting alleged criminal offenses. A board or agency that receives the information shall comply with the same requirements regarding confidentiality as those with which the state vision professionals board must comply, notwithstanding any conflicting provision of the Revised Code or procedure of the board or agency that applies when the board or agency is dealing with other information in its possession. The information may be admitted into evidence in a criminal trial in accordance with the Rules of Evidence, but the court shall require that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that confidentiality is maintained with respect to any part of the information that contains names or other identifying information about persons whose confidentiality was protected by the state vision professionals board when the information was in the board's possession. Measures to ensure confidentiality that may be taken by the court include sealing its records or deleting specific information from its records.
Section 4725.231 \| Cease and desist order for unlicensed practice of optometry. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board may issue a cease-and-desist order against any person engaging in the practice of optometry without having received a license under sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code that the board reasonably suspects has violated, is currently violating, or is about to violate this chapter. The board's authority to issue a cease-and-desist order under this section is in addition to any action the board may take under section 4725.23 of the Revised Code. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 4:50 PM
Section 4725.24 \| Suspension without prior hearing. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If the secretary of the state vision professionals board and the board's supervising member of investigations determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that an optometrist has violated division (B) of section 4725.19 of the Revised Code and that the optometrist's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend without a prior hearing the optometrist's certificate of licensure. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the full board. The board, upon review of those allegations and by an affirmative vote of three members other than the secretary and supervising member may order the suspension without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension. The board shall serve a written order of suspension in accordance with sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the individual subject to the summary suspension requests an adjudicatory hearing by the board, the date set for the hearing shall be within fifteen days, but not earlier than seven days, after the individual requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the individual. Any summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to section 4725.19 of the Revised Code and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within sixty days after completion of its hearing. A failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order. Last updated October 4, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Section 4725.25 \| Unauthorized practice. Effective: March 9, 1999 Latest Legislation: House Bill 553 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code do not confer on an optometrist the title of medical doctor, physician, surgeon, oculist, ophthalmologist, or any other word or abbreviation indicating that the optometrist is engaged in the practice of medicine.
Section 4725.26 \| Exceptions. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Division (A) of section 4725.02 of the Revised Code does not apply to the following: (A) Physicians authorized to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code; (B) Persons who sell optical accessories but do not assume to adapt them to the eye, and neither practice nor profess to practice optometry; (C) A nonresident instructor in a school of optometry that is located in this state and approved by the state vision professionals board under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code who holds a valid current license to practice optometry from a licensing body in another jurisdiction and limits the practice of optometry to the instruction of students enrolled in the school. The state vision professionals board shall not require a nonresident instructor who holds a license in another state to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to practice optometry in the manner described under this division. (D) A student enrolled in a school of optometry, located in this or another state and approved by the board under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code, while the student is participating in this state in an optometry training program provided or sponsored by the school, if the student acts under the direct, personal supervision and control of an optometrist licensed by the board or authorized to practice pursuant to division (C) of this section. (E) An individual who is licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to engage in an activity that is included in the practice of optometry. (F) An individual who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to engage in an activity that is included in the practice of optometry, but is acting pursuant to the rules for delegation of optometric tasks adopted under section 4725.09 of the Revised Code. (G) A nonresident individual who holds in good standing a valid license to practice optometry from a licensing body in another jurisdiction and is practicing as a volunteer without remuneration during a charitable event that lasts not more than seven days. When an individual meets the conditions of this division, the individual shall be deemed to hold, during the course of the charitable event, a license to practice optometry from the state vision professionals board and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter authorizing the board to take disciplinary action against a license holder. Not less than seven calendar days before the first day of the charitable event, the individual or the event's organizer shall notify the board of the individual's intent to engage in the practice of optometry at the event. During the course of the charitable event, the individual's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that an optometrist licensed under this chapter is authorized to perform unless the individual's scope of practice in the other jurisdiction is more restrictive than in this state. If the latter is the case, the individual's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that an optometrist in the other jurisdiction may perform. The board shall not require a nonresident individual who holds a license in another state to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to practice optometry as a volunteer in the manner described under this division. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:28 AM
Section 4725.27 \| Evidence - interference with choice of service. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The testimony and reports of an optometrist licensed by the state vision professionals board under this chapter shall be received by any state, county, municipal, school district, or other public board, body, agency, institution, or official and by any private educational or other institution receiving public funds as competent evidence with respect to any matter within the scope of the practice of optometry. No such board, body, agency, official, or institution shall interfere with any individual's right to a free choice of receiving services from either an optometrist or a physician. No such board, body, agency, official, or institution shall discriminate against an optometrist performing procedures that are included in the practice of optometry as provided in section 4725.01 of the Revised Code if the optometrist is licensed under this chapter to perform those procedures. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 11:59 AM
Section 4725.28 \| Copy of prescription to be given to patient. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "supplier" means any person who prepares or sells optical accessories or other vision correcting items, devices, or procedures. (B) A licensed optometrist, on completion of a vision examination and diagnosis, shall give each patient for whom the optometrist prescribes any vision correcting item, device, or procedure, one copy of the prescription, without additional charge to the patient. The prescription shall include the following: (1) The date of its issuance; (2) Sufficient information to enable the patient to obtain from the supplier of the patient's choice, the optical accessory or other vision correcting item, device, or procedure that has been prescribed; (3) In the case of contact lenses, all information specified as part of a contact lens prescription, as defined in the "Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act," 117 Stat. 2024 (2003), 15 U.S.C. 7610. (C) Any supplier who fills a prescription for contact lenses furnished by an optometrist shall furnish the patient with written recommendations to return to the prescribing optometrist for evaluation of the contact lens fitting. (D) Any supplier, including an optometrist who is a supplier, may advertise to inform the general public of the price that the supplier charges for any vision correcting item, device, or procedure. Any such advertisement shall specify the following: (1) Whether the advertised item includes an eye examination; (2) In the case of lenses, whether the price applies to single-vision or multifocal lenses; (3) In the case of contact lenses, whether the price applies to rigid or soft lenses and whether there is an additional charge related to the fitting and determination of the type of contact lenses to be worn that is not included in the price of the eye examination. (E) The state vision professionals board shall not adopt any rule that restricts the right to advertise as permitted by division (D) of this section. (F) Any municipal corporation code, ordinance, or regulation or any township resolution that conflicts with a supplier's right to advertise as permitted by division (D) of this section is superseded by division (D) of this section and is invalid. A municipal corporation code, ordinance, or regulation or a township resolution conflicts with division (D) of this section if it restricts a supplier's right to advertise as permitted by division (D) of this section.
Section 4725.29 \| Advertising. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section: (1) "Regional advertisement" means an advertisement published in more than one metropolitan statistical area in this state or broadcast by radio or television stations in more than one metropolitan statistical area in this state. (2) "National advertisement" means an advertisement published in one or more periodicals or broadcast by one or more radio or television stations in this state and also published in one or more periodicals or broadcast by one or more radio or television stations in another state. (B) The state vision professionals board shall not require any person who sells optical accessories at more than one location to list in any regional or national advertisement the name of the licensed optometrist practicing at a particular location, provided that in addition to the requirement in division (B) of section 4725.13 of the Revised Code, the name of the optometrist is prominently displayed at the location.
Section 4725.30 \| Ocular abnormalities. Effective: March 9, 1999 Latest Legislation: House Bill 553 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If while examining a person an optometrist detects evidence of an ocular abnormality requiring further diagnosis or possible treatment that is not included in the optometrist's practice of optometry, the optometrist shall advise the patient to see a physician authorized to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery. The optometrist shall include in the patient's records an entry specifying that the notice required by this section was given.
Section 4725.31 \| Clinically significant drug-induced side effects. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF An optometrist licensed by the state vision professionals board shall promptly report to the board any instance of a clinically significant drug-induced side effect in a patient due to the optometrist's administering, employing, applying, or prescribing a topical ocular or therapeutic pharmaceutical agent to or for the patient. The board, by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall establish reporting procedures and specify the types of side effects to be reported. The information provided to the board shall not include the name of or any identifying information about the patient.
Section 4725.32 \| Requiring impact-resistant lenses. Effective: March 9, 1999 Latest Legislation: House Bill 553 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No person shall distribute, sell, or deliver any eyeglasses or sunglasses manufactured after July 31, 1972, nor shall any person distribute, sell, or deliver eyeglasses after December 31, 1972, or sunglasses after December 31, 1973, which are not fitted with impact-resistant lenses, except in those cases where a physician or optometrist prescribing eyeglasses or sunglasses finds that impact-resistant lenses could not fulfill the visual requirements of a particular patient and directs in writing the use of other lenses, and gives written notification thereof to the patient. All impact-resistant lenses shall be capable of withstanding an impact test in which a five-eighths inch steel ball weighing approximately fifty-six hundredths of an ounce is dropped from a height of fifty inches upon the horizontal upper surface of the lens in the manner prescribed under federal regulations.
Section 4725.33 \| Offering services through authorized business entity. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) An individual whom the state vision professionals board licenses to engage in the practice of optometry may render the professional services of an optometrist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under former Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code as that chapter existed prior to February 11, 2022, or Chapter 1706. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an optometrist from rendering professional services as an optometrist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state vision professionals board adopted pursuant to this chapter. (B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions: (1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code; (2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code; (3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code; (4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code; (5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code; (6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code; (7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code; (8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code; (9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code; (10) Licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, or music therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code. This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to an optometrist that prohibits an optometrist from engaging in the practice of optometry in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, art therapy, or music therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry. Last updated October 4, 2023 at 11:29 AM
Section 4725.34 \| Fees. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall charge the following nonrefundable fees: (1) Three hundred fifty dollars for application for a certificate of licensure to practice optometry; (2) Three hundred fifty dollars for renewal of a certificate of licensure to practice optometry; (3) One hundred twenty-five dollars for late completion or submission, or both, of continuing optometric education; (4) One hundred twenty-five dollars for late renewal of a certificate of licensure that has expired; (5) Additional fees to cover administrative costs incurred by the board, including fees for replacing licenses issued by the board and providing rosters of currently licensed optometrists. Such fees shall be established at a regular meeting of the board and shall comply with any applicable guidelines or policies set by the department of administrative services or the office of budget and management. (B) The board, subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish fees in excess of the amounts specified in division (A) of this section if the fees do not exceed the amounts specified by more than fifty per cent. (C) All receipts of the board, from any source, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund created in section 4743.05 of the Revised Code. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Section 4725.35 \| Telehealth services. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF An optometrist licensed under this chapter may provide telehealth services in accordance with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code. Last updated February 24, 2023 at 4:39 PM
Section 4725.40 \| Dispensing optician, ocularist definitions. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code: (A) "Optical aid" means both of the following: (1) Spectacles or other instruments or devices that are not contact lenses, if the spectacles or other instruments or devices may aid or correct human vision and have been prescribed by a physician or optometrist licensed by any state; (2) Contact lenses, regardless of whether they address visual function, if they are designed to fit over the cornea of the eye or are otherwise designed for use in or on the eye or orbit. All contact lenses shall be dispensed only in accordance with a valid written prescription designated for contact lenses, including the following: (a) Zero-powered plano contact lenses; (b) Cosmetic contact lenses; (c) Performance-enhancing contact lenses; (d) Any other contact devices determined by the state vision professionals board to be contact lenses. (B) "Optical dispensing" means interpreting but not altering a prescription of a licensed physician or optometrist and designing, adapting, fitting, or replacing the prescribed optical aids, pursuant to such prescription, to or for the intended wearer; duplicating lenses, other than contact lenses, accurately as to power without a prescription; and duplicating nonprescription eyewear and parts of eyewear. "Optical dispensing" does not include selecting frames, placing an order for the delivery of an optical aid, transacting a sale, transferring an optical aid to the wearer after an optician has completed fitting it, or providing instruction in the general care and use of an optical aid, including placement, removal, hygiene, or cleaning. (C) "Licensed dispensing optician" means a person holding a current, valid license issued under sections 4725.48 to 4725.51 of the Revised Code that authorizes the person to engage in optical dispensing. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit a licensed dispensing optician to alter the specifications of a prescription. (D) "Licensed spectacle dispensing optician" means a licensed dispensing optician authorized to engage in both of the following: (1) The dispensing of optical aids other than contact lenses; (2) The dispensing of prepackaged soft contact lenses in accordance with section 4725.411 of the Revised Code. (E) "Licensed spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician" means a licensed dispensing optician authorized to engage in the dispensing of any optical aid. (F) "Apprentice" means any person dispensing optical aids under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician. (G) "Prescription" means the written or verbal directions or instructions as specified by a physician or optometrist licensed by any state for preparing an optical aid for a patient. (H) "Supervision" means the provision of direction and control through personal inspection and evaluation of work. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Section 4725.41 \| License required. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No person shall engage in optical dispensing or hold self out as being engaged in optical dispensing unless the person has fulfilled the requirements of sections 4725.48 to 4725.51 of the Revised Code and has been certified as a licensed dispensing optician by the state vision professionals board. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Section 4725.411 \| Dispensing prepackaged soft contact lenses. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each licensed spectacle dispensing optician shall complete two hours of study in prepackaged soft contact lens dispensing approved by the state vision professionals board under section 4725.51 of the Revised Code. The two hours of study shall be completed as follows: (1) Each licensed spectacle dispensing optician who holds the license on September 29, 2015, shall complete the two hours of study not later than December 31, 2015. (2) Each licensed spectacle dispensing optician who receives the license after September 29, 2015, shall complete the two hours of study not later than the thirty-first day of December of the year the license is issued. (B) Beginning January 1, 2016, a licensed spectacle dispensing optician may dispense prepackaged soft contact lenses if both of the following are the case: (1) The licensed spectacle dispensing optician has completed two hours of study in prepackaged soft contact lens dispensing in accordance with division (A) of this section. (2) The only action necessary is to match the description of the contact lenses that is on the packaging to a written prescription.
Section 4725.44 \| Powers and duties of board. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board shall be responsible for the administration of sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code and, in particular, shall process applications for licensure as licensed dispensing opticians; schedule, administer, and supervise the qualifying examinations for licensure or contract with a testing service to schedule, administer, and supervise the qualifying examination for licensure; issue licenses to qualified individuals; and revoke and suspend licenses. (B) The board shall adopt, amend, or rescind rules, pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the licensure of dispensing opticians, and such other rules as are required by or necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code, including rules establishing criminal records check requirements under section 4776.03 of the Revised Code and rules establishing disqualifying offenses for licensure as a dispensing optician or certification as an apprentice dispensing optician pursuant to sections 9.79, 4725.48, 4725.52, 4725.53, and 4776.10 of the Revised Code. (C) The board shall have no authority to adopt rules governing the employment of dispensing opticians, the location or number of optical stores, advertising of optical products or services, or the manner in which optical products can be displayed. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:01 PM
Section 4725.48 \| Application and qualifications. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 (GA 134), House Bill 509 (GA 134) PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Any person who desires to engage in optical dispensing shall file a properly completed application for an examination with the state vision professionals board or with the testing service the board has contracted with pursuant to section 4725.49 of the Revised Code. The application for examination shall be made using a form provided by the board and shall be accompanied by an examination fee the board shall establish by rule. (B) Any person who desires to engage in optical dispensing shall file a properly completed application for a license with the board with a licensure application fee of one hundred ninety-five dollars. No person shall be eligible to apply for a license under this division, unless the person is at least eighteen years of age, is free of contagious or infectious disease, has received a passing score, as determined by the board, on the examination administered under division (A) of this section, is a graduate of an accredited high school of any state, or has received an equivalent education and has successfully completed one of the following: (1) For a spectacle dispensing optician license, one thousand hours of supervised experience under a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician engaged in the practice of ophthalmology; (2) For a spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician license, one thousand five hundred hours of supervised experience under a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician engaged in the practice of ophthalmology; (3) A two-year college level program in optical dispensing that has been approved by the board and that includes, but is not limited to, courses of study in mathematics, science, English, anatomy and physiology of the eye, applied optics, ophthalmic optics, measurement and inspection of lenses, lens grinding and edging, ophthalmic lens design, keratometry, and the fitting and adjusting of spectacle lenses and frames and contact lenses, including methods of fitting contact lenses and post-fitting care. (C) The board shall issue a license to practice as an ocularist in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies: (1) The applicant holds a license in another state. (2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as an ocularist in a state that does not issue that license. (D)(1) Subject to divisions (D)(3) and (4) of this section, the board shall not adopt, maintain, renew, or enforce any rule that precludes an individual from renewing a license as a dispensing optician issued under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code due to any past criminal activity or interpretation of moral character, unless the individual has committed a crime of moral turpitude or a disqualifying offense as those terms are defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code. If the board denies an individual a license or license renewal, the reasons for such denial shall be put in writing. (2) The board may refuse to issue a license to an applicant because of a conviction of or plea of guilty to an offense if the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code. (3) In considering a renewal of an individual's license, the board shall not consider any conviction or plea of guilty prior to the initial licensing. However, the board may consider a conviction or plea of guilty if it occurred after the individual was initially licensed, or after the most recent license renewal. (4) The board may grant an individual a conditional license that lasts for one year. After the one-year period has expired, the license is no longer considered conditional, and the individual shall be considered fully licensed. (E) The board, subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish examination fees in excess of the amount established by rule pursuant to this section, provided that such fees do not exceed those amounts established in rule by more than fifty per cent. The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Section 4725.49 \| Examinations. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The state vision professionals board may provide for the examination of applicants by designing, preparing, and administering the qualifying examinations or by contracting with a testing service that is nationally recognized as being capable of determining competence to dispense optical aids as a licensed spectacle dispensing optician or a licensed spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician. Any examination used shall be designed to measure specific performance requirements, be professionally constructed and validated, and be independently and objectively administered and scored in order to determine the applicant's competence to dispense optical aids. (B)(1) The board shall ensure that it, or the testing service it contracts with, does all of the following: (a) Provides public notice as to the date, time, and place for each examination at least ninety days prior to the examination; (b) Offers each qualifying examination at least twice each year in Columbus, except as provided in division (C) of this section; (c) Provides all materials and equipment necessary for the applicant to take the examination. (2) The board shall provide to each applicant all forms necessary to apply for examination. (C) If the number of applicants for any qualifying examination is less than ten, the examination may be postponed. The board or testing service shall provide the applicant with written notification of the postponement and of the next date the examination is scheduled to be administered. (D) No limitation shall be placed upon the number of times that an applicant may repeat any qualifying examination, except that, if an applicant fails an examination for a third time, the board may require that the applicant, prior to retaking the examination, undergo additional study in the areas of the examination in which the applicant experienced difficulty. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:02 PM
Section 4725.50 \| Issuance and display of certificate. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each person who qualifies for licensure under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code shall receive from the state vision professionals board, under its seal, a certificate of licensure entitling the person to practice as a licensed spectacle dispensing optician or a licensed spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician. The appropriate certificate of licensure shall be issued by the board no later than sixty days after it has notified the applicant of the applicant's approval for licensure. (B) Each licensed dispensing optician shall display the licensed dispensing optician's certificate of licensure in a conspicuous place in the licensed dispensing optician's office or place of business. If a licensed dispensing optician maintains more than one office or place of business, the licensed dispensing optician shall display a duplicate copy of such certificate at each location. The board shall issue duplicate copies of the appropriate certificate of licensure for this purpose upon the filing of an application form therefor and the payment of a five-dollar fee for each duplicate copy. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:02 PM
Section 4725.501 \| License applicant to comply with RC Chapter 4776. Effective: October 9, 2021 Latest Legislation: House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code, except that "license" as used in both of those terms refers to the types of authorizations otherwise issued or conferred under this chapter. (B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state vision professionals board shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:03 AM
Section 4725.51 \| Renewal - continuing education. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A)(1) Each license issued under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code shall expire on the last day of December of each odd-numbered year. Each person holding a valid, current license may apply to the state vision professionals board for the extension of the license under the standard renewal procedures of Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code. Each application for renewal shall be accompanied by a renewal fee of one hundred ninety-five dollars. In addition, except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, the application shall contain evidence that the applicant has completed continuing education within each biennial licensing period as follows: (a) Licensed spectacle dispensing opticians shall have completed a length of study of twelve clock hours, approved by the board. (b) Licensed spectacle-contact lens dispensing opticians shall have completed a length of study of twenty-four clock hours, approved by the board. (2) An application for the initial renewal of a license issued under sections 4725.40 to 4725.55 of the Revised Code is not required to contain evidence that the applicant has completed the continuing education requirements of division (A)(1) of this section. (B) No person who fails to renew the person's license under division (A) of this section shall be required to take a qualifying examination under section 4725.48 of the Revised Code as a condition of renewal, provided that the application for renewal and proof of the requisite continuing education hours are submitted within thirty days from the date the license expired and the applicant pays the renewal fee and a penalty of seventy-five dollars. The board may provide, by rule, for an extension of the grace period for licensed dispensing opticians who are serving in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state and for waiver of the continuing education requirements or the penalty in cases of hardship or illness. (C) The board shall approve continuing education programs and shall adopt rules as necessary for approving the programs. The rules shall permit programs to be conducted either in person or through electronic or other self-study means. Approved programs shall be scheduled, sponsored, and conducted in accordance with the board's rules. (D) Any license given a grandfathered issuance or renewal between March 22, 1979, and March 22, 1980, shall be renewed in accordance with this section. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:03 PM
Section 4725.52 \| Apprentices. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 (GA 134), House Bill 509 (GA 134) PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any licensed dispensing optician may supervise a maximum of three apprentices who shall be permitted to engage in optical dispensing only under the supervision of the licensed dispensing optician. To serve as an apprentice, a person shall register with the state vision professionals board on a form provided by the board and in the form of a statement giving the name and address of the supervising licensed dispensing optician, the location at which the apprentice will be employed, and any other information required by the board. For the duration of the apprenticeship, the apprentice shall register annually on the form provided by the board and in the form of a statement. Each apprentice shall pay an initial registration fee of twenty dollars. The board shall not charge an apprentice a fee to renew the apprentice's registration. The board shall grant registration as an apprentice under this section in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if the applicant holds a registration or license in another state or has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as an apprentice permitted to engage in supervised optical dispensing in a state that does not grant that registration or license. The board shall not deny registration as an apprentice under this section to any individual based on the individual's past criminal history or an interpretation of moral character unless the denial is for a disqualifying offense in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code. In considering a renewal of an individual's registration, the board shall not consider any conviction or plea of guilty prior to the initial registration. However, the board may consider a conviction or plea of guilty if it occurred after the individual was initially registered, or after the most recent registration renewal. If the board denies an individual for a registration or registration renewal, the reasons for such denial shall be put in writing. Additionally, the board may grant an individual a conditional registration that lasts for one year. After the one-year period has expired, the registration is no longer considered conditional, and the individual shall be considered fully registered. A person who is gaining experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist that would qualify the person under division (B)(1) of section 4725.48 of the Revised Code to take the examination for optical dispensing is not required to register with the board. The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:32 AM
Section 4725.53 \| Disciplinary actions. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, the state vision professionals board, by a majority vote of its members, may refuse to grant a license and, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may suspend or revoke the license of a licensed dispensing optician or impose a fine or order restitution pursuant to division (B) of this section on any of the following grounds: (1) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or a disqualifying offense as those terms are defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code; (2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by fraud or deception; (3) Obtaining any fee or making any sale of an optical aid by means of fraud or misrepresentation; (4) Habitual indulgence in the use of controlled substances or other habit-forming drugs, or in the use of alcoholic liquors to an extent that affects professional competency; (5) Finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the applicant or licensee is incompetent by reason of mental illness and no subsequent finding by the court of competency; (6) Finding by a court of law that the licensee is guilty of incompetence or negligence in the dispensing of optical aids; (7) Knowingly permitting or employing a person whose license has been suspended or revoked or an unlicensed person to engage in optical dispensing; (8) Permitting another person to use the licensee's license; (9) Engaging in optical dispensing not pursuant to the prescription of a licensed physician or licensed optometrist, but nothing in this section shall prohibit the duplication or replacement of previously prepared optical aids, except contact lenses shall not be duplicated or replaced without a written prescription; (10) Violation of sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code; (11) Waiving the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers optical dispensing services, would otherwise be required to pay if the waiver is used as an enticement to a patient or group of patients to receive health care services from that provider; (12) Advertising that the licensee will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers optical dispensing services, would otherwise be required to pay; (13) Violating the code of ethical conduct adopted under section 4725.66 of the Revised Code. (B) The board may impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars for a first occurrence of an action that is grounds for discipline under this section and of not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars for a subsequent occurrence, or may order the licensee to make restitution to a person who has suffered a financial loss as a result of the licensee's failure to comply with sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code. (C) Notwithstanding divisions (A)(11) and (12) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments: (1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copays shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Such consent shall be made available to the board upon request. (2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board. (D) The board shall not refuse to grant a license to an applicant because of a conviction unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code. (E) If a violation described in this section has caused, is causing, or is about to cause substantial and material harm, the board may issue an order requiring that person to cease and desist from engaging in the violation. Notice of the order shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately after its issuance to the person subject to the order and to all persons known to be involved in the violation. The board may thereafter publicize or otherwise make known to all interested parties that the order has been issued. The notice shall specify the particular act, omission, practice, or transaction that is subject to the cease-and-desist order and shall set a date, not more than fifteen days after the date of the order, for a hearing on the continuation or revocation of the order. The person shall comply with the order immediately upon receipt of notice of the order. The board may, on the application of a party and for good cause shown, continue the hearing. Chapter 119. of the Revised Code applies to the hearing to the extent that that chapter does not conflict with the procedures set forth in this section. The board shall, within fifteen days after objections are submitted to the hearing officer's report and recommendation, issue a final order either confirming or revoking the cease-and-desist order. The final order may be appealed as provided under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. The remedy under this division is cumulative and concurrent with the other remedies available under this section or section 4725.54 of the Revised Code. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:04 PM
Section 4725.531 \| Effect of child support default on license. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state vision professionals board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued by the board pursuant to this chapter.
Section 4725.54 \| Disciplinary actions. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Any person having knowledge of a violation of sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code by a licensed dispensing optician or an apprentice, or of any other ground specified in section 4725.53 of the Revised Code for denying, suspending, or revoking a license, may submit a written complaint, specifying the precise violations or grounds, to the state vision professionals board. If the board determines, in accordance with the procedures of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the charges are sustained by the evidence presented, it may suspend or revoke the license of the person against whom the charges were preferred. (B) If the board discovers or is informed that any person is or has been engaged in optical dispensing without having received a license under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code, it shall inform the prosecuting attorney for the county in which the alleged unlicensed activity took place. The prosecuting attorney shall take all legal action necessary to terminate such illegal practice of optical dispensing and to prosecute the offender under section 4725.41 of the Revised Code. (C) In addition to other remedies provided in this chapter, the board may request the attorney general or the prosecuting attorney of a county in which a violation of sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code occurs to apply to the court of common pleas of the county for an injunction to restrain the activity that constitutes a violation.
Section 4725.541 \| Cease and desist order for unlicensed practice of optical dispensing. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board may issue a cease-and-desist order against any person engaged in optical dispensing without having received a license under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code that the board reasonably suspects has violated, is currently violating, or is about to violate this chapter. The board shall notify the prosecuting attorney for the county in which the alleged unlicensed activity took place for additional action in accordance with section 4725.54 of the Revised Code. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 4:51 PM
Section 4725.55 \| Licenses and applications - prohibited acts. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No person shall do any of the following: (A) Sell or barter, or offer to sell or barter, a certificate of licensure as a dispensing optician issued under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code; (B) Use, or attempt to use, a license which is illegally purchased or acquired under division (A) of this section, obtained by fraud or deception, counterfeited, materially altered or otherwise modified without prior approval of the state vision professionals board, or suspended or revoked under section 4725.53 or 4725.54 of the Revised Code; (C) Materially alter or otherwise modify a license in any manner, unless authorized by the state vision professionals board; (D) Willfully and knowingly make any false statement in an application required under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code.
Section 4725.56 \| Prohibiting payment for referrals. Effective: March 22, 1979 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 328 - 112th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No licensed dispensing optician, or employee or agent of a licensed dispensing optician shall pay or offer to pay a rebate or commission of any nature, or offer any other thing of value, to a licensed physician or licensed optometrist for referring patients to the licensed dispensing optician.
Section 4725.57 \| Reciprocity. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall issue a license to engage in optical dispensing in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies: (A) The applicant holds a license or registration in another state. (B) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a dispensing optician in a state that does not issue that license or registration. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:27 AM
Section 4725.59 \| Exemptions. Effective: March 9, 1999 Latest Legislation: House Bill 553 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code do not apply to: (1) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, or to persons while in the employment and under the supervision of physician at the physician's office; (2) An optometrist licensed under sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code, or to persons while in the employment and under the supervision of an optometrist at the optometrist's office. (B) Nothing in sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code shall prevent or restrict any individual, firm, or corporation from employing or from engaging in optical dispensing through persons licensed or registered under such sections.
Section 4725.591 \| Optical dispensing by volunteers licensed in other state. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Section 4725.41 of the Revised Code does not apply to a nonresident person who holds in good standing a valid license from another state to engage in optical dispensing and is engaging in optical dispensing as a volunteer without remuneration during a charitable event that lasts not more than seven days. When a person meets the conditions of this section, the person shall be deemed to hold, during the course of the charitable event, a license to engage in optical dispensing from the state vision professionals board and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter authorizing the board to take disciplinary action against a license holder. Not less than seven calendar days before the first day of the charitable event, the person or the event's organizer shall notify the board of the person's intent to engage in optical dispensing at the event. During the course of the charitable event, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dispensing optician licensed under this chapter is authorized to perform unless the person's scope of practice in the other state is more restrictive than in this state. If the latter is the case, the person's scope of practice is limited to the procedures that a dispensing optician in the other state may perform. The state vision professionals board shall not require a nonresident person who holds a license in another state to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to practice optometry as a volunteer in the manner described under this section. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:27 AM
Section 4725.61 \| Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking. Effective: January 21, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.
Section 4725.63 \| Appointment of committees. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board may appoint committees or other groups to assist in fulfilling its duties. A committee or group may consist of board members, other individuals with appropriate backgrounds, or both board members and other individuals with appropriate backgrounds. Any appointed committee or group shall act under the board's direction and shall perform its functions within the limits established by the board. If the board appoints a committee or group to address issues concerning optical dispensing or the practice of licensed dispensing opticians under sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code, the board shall include as a member of that committee or group a physician licensed by the state medical board who engages in the practice of ophthalmology and is recommended by a professional association representing the interests of the profession of ophthalmology. Except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code, a committee or group organized under this section is advisory in nature and may not act independently of the board or act on the board's behalf. Members of a committee or group may be reimbursed by the board for any expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in accordance with section 126.31 of the Revised Code and with approval from the director of administrative services. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Section 4725.64 \| Authority of board to enter into contracts. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board may enter into contracts with any person or government entity to implement this chapter, the rules adopted under this chapter, any other applicable statutes or rules, and any applicable federal statutes or regulations.
Section 4725.65 \| Membership in national licensing organization. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board may become a member of a national licensing organization for optometrists and dispensing opticians. The board may participate in any of the organization's activities, including reporting actions the board takes against an applicant or license holder to any data bank established by the organization.
Section 4725.66 \| Code of ethics. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board shall establish a code of ethical practice for individuals who hold a certificate of licensure issued by, or who are licensed or registered, by the board in accordance with rules adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. In establishing the codes of ethical practice, the board shall define unprofessional conduct in the rules, which shall include engaging in a dual relationship with a client or former client, committing an act of sexual abuse, misconduct, or exploitation of a client or former client, and, except as permitted by law, violating client confidentiality. The codes of ethical practice may be based on any codes of ethical practice developed by national organizations representing the interests of optometrists and dispensing opticians. The board may establish standards in its codes of ethical practice that are more stringent than those established by national organizations. The board may take disciplinary action against an applicant or license holder for violating any code of ethical practice established under this section. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 4:43 PM
Section 4725.67 \| Discrimination prohibited. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The state vision professionals board and any committees established by the board shall not discriminate against an applicant or holder of a certificate of licensure, license, registration, or endorsement issued under this chapter because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability as defined in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code, or age. A person who files with the board or committee a statement alleging discrimination based on any of those reasons may request a hearing with the board or committee, as appropriate. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:06 PM
Section 4725.99 \| Penalty. Effective: March 9, 1999 Latest Legislation: House Bill 553 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Whoever violates section 4725.02 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars for a first offense; for each subsequent offense such person shall be fined not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned not less than six months nor more than one year. (B) Whoever violates section 4725.41 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree for a first offense, and a misdemeanor of the first degree for each subsequent offense. (C) Whoever violates section 4725.55 or 4725.56 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. (D) Whoever violates division (A) of section 4725.21 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense; for each subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Any violation constitutes a separate offense on each successive day continued. (E) Whoever violates section 4725.32 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (F) Whoever violates section 4725.22 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense; for each subsequent offense, such person shall be fined up to one thousand dollars.